Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the difference between a print and a lithograph?

1 Answer
What is the difference between a print and a lithograph?
The difference between a print and a lithograph is that “print” is a general term and “lithograph” is a specific printing method (one of the most commonly used in the 20th and 21st centuries). This means that a lithograph is always a print, but not all prints are lithographs. A print is a work of art made by imprinting a design from a matrix made of one of the following media: stone, wood or metal. The artist creates the design on the matrix which is then inked and transferred onto the support. The support is usually made of paper. With respect to lithography, the process begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. The stone is then covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Shop for Andy Warhol Lithographs on 1stDibs
Marilyn Monroe Coloured Lithograph CMOA Stamped Large Work
By (after) Andy Warhol
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
After Andy Warhol lithograph on thick unframed paper stamped verso print: 23.5 x 23.5 inches
Category

20th Century Abstract Portrait Prints

Materials

Color

Andy Warhol, "Tattooed Woman", lithograph
By Andy Warhol
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an offset lithograph in orange on green paper created by Andy Warhol circa 1955
Category

1950s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Andy Warhol The Souper Dress (Andy Warhol Campbells)
By Andy Warhol
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Andy Warhol The Souper Dress c. 1965-1967: Inspired by Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, this
Category

1960s Pop Art Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper, Screen

Signed Andy Warhol Marylin Monroe Lithograph
By Andy Warhol
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Signed Warhol lower middle. Framed measures 49 5/8" h x 39 3/8" w x 2 3/4" d. Picture measures 40 1
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Andy Warhol Shoes poster 1979 (1970s Andy Warhol)
By Andy Warhol
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Andy Warhol illustrated advertising poster New York, 1979: 1970s Andy Warhol illustrated
Category

1960s Pop Art Animal Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Andy Warhol 'Banana' 2010- Offset Lithograph
By Andy Warhol
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paper Size: 26.75 x 34.75 inches ( 67.945 x 88.265 cm ) Image Size: 26.75 x 34.75 inches ( 67.945 x 88.265 cm ) Framed: No Condition: A-: Near Mint, very light signs of handling Add...
Category

2010s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Offset

Shop All