Kromolithografin

Kromolithografin is a lithographic printing technique used to produce colored images. It is an evolution of the earlier single-color lithography process, adapted to incorporate multiple hues. The fundamental principle involves drawing or transferring each color onto a separate lithographic stone. During the printing process, a separate stone is prepared for each color that will appear in the final image.

The artist or printmaker meticulously transfers or draws the design for each individual color onto its designated stone. This often involves the use of specialized inks or crayons. When it is time to print, each stone is inked with its corresponding color. The paper is then pressed against each inked stone sequentially, one color at a time. Careful registration of the paper is crucial to ensure that the colors align correctly and create a cohesive image. Misalignment, known as misregister, can result in blurred or distorted artwork.

Kromolithografin was particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its ability to reproduce vibrant and detailed images. It was widely employed for posters, advertisements, book illustrations, and decorative prints. The process allowed for a wide spectrum of colors and subtle gradations, making it a favored method for commercial and artistic printing before the advent of more modern color printing technologies like offset lithography.