The Hermitage 

This poster was made in Paris by Alphonse Mucha, and it's a fantastic example of late 19th century lithography. It was a period in which printmaking really came into its own as a high art form. The flat planes of color, combined with the stylized lines and motifs, are made possible by the process. Lithography involves drawing on a stone or metal plate with a greasy crayon, then treating the surface so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This allows for very precise registration of colors, which you can see in the subtle shading of the woman’s hair, and the crisp outlines of the lilies. Look closely, and you’ll also notice the layering of different colors to create texture and depth. This was a laborious process, requiring skilled craftsmen to execute. It was this combination of artistry and technical mastery that gave lithography its unique appeal, elevating it from a commercial medium to a true art form. It challenges us to look beyond the image itself, and to appreciate the skill and labor involved in its production.