
Lithograph
A method of printing that employs a smooth plate made of stone or metal onto which an image or text is painted with a water resistant substance such as wax, fat, or oil before an ink is applied. The plate is used as a stamp to reproduce the artwork or text. It was originally invented in 1776 by German author/actor Alois Senefelder as a cost-effective method of reproducing theatrical works and remains a popular method for fine art reproduction.