Lithography was one of the major reproduction processes for artworks. Usually printed in one colour and then labouriously hand-coloured. Around 1837 came the process of using several stones (chromolithography), each for an individual colour. A few years later came the innovation of printing with gold and silver.
There were two techniques used to produce these prints. The first was to grind into powder bronze or gold. This powder was combined with a varnish, which was then applied to the appropriate stone, which was then pressed onto the sheet.
The second process was to apply the varnish onto the stone, press it to the sheet, and while the varnish was still tacky, dust the bronze or gold powder onto the sheet. Brushing off any excess powder after drying.
Because this process was time-consuming, laborious, and expensive, only high-end plates were produced mainly for art portfolios and wealthy clients. The reproduction of illuminated manuscripts (prayer books, books of hours, etc) became highly popular with the Victorians.
I have a set of five religious chromolithographs that rely heavily on the gold colour. I believe they were produced around 1846. I can not say by whom, for whom, or what publication they were produced for. They show numerous colours, including gold, as well as far as I can tell some actual hand finishing.
Fabulous colouring with a generous use of gold colouring brings these pieces to life.
To the left of Christ it reads (Old French/Anglo-Norman) ‘Vosait les seuit nostre Seignur Dicet lo wange a lu e akin le docer Petis e graunt – As our Lord says in the Gospel: praise Him, both small and great.
The upper right reads: Altaris Elia tuiniemus ceram in saecula saeculorum,” which translates to:”We protect the wax of Elijah’s altar for ever and ever.”
The lower right inscription reads (in Archaic Friulian): “Alta purco ke nostre leiguur deui, Tut pucant ad regne aciom, Dut potent, che al vegni il to regn, Mealetium e donum glorie a lu percoke …e don di glorie al pari… This is a form of the Lord’s Prayer – Oh high Father who art our Lord God, All-powerful, may your kingdom come … and the gift of glory to the Father.
.
