"THE PRIZE" by Planche - 1876 - Cyclopedia of Costume

ANTIQUE CHROMOLITHOGRAPH

OF HISTORICAL EVENTS

Chromolithograph - Definition

The first true multi-color printing method, previously color had been applied by hand. It was fist started in the 1830's.

The process was based on lithography (printing from stone slabs), but extended so that a stone was used for each color and each seperate color was laid on top of the previous one.
... thus the paper sheet was printed on several times before the print was finished.

This required both a number of stones (adding to the expense) and a very precise method for laying the stones, if each stone is not positioned identically to the one before, then the colors appear out of register - similiar to the ghosting effect on a television that is out of tune.

As the century progressed Chromolithography became more intricate and as many as twenty-five stones were employed and some wonderful and highly artistic results obtained.

The Victorians loved this method of printing because of its rich colouring and many books were bound with chromolithographic prints. Many childrens' books included this type of print. An important publication was of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee representing her reign from 1837 until the Diamond Jubliee in 1897 in which included several chromolithographed prints which were enhanced with gold or silver.

This steel engraving has an image that is about 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" on a leaf or page that is 8 1/2 " x 10 1/2 ".  It is in very good condtion. It is suitable for framing and would be an excellent gift for a print collector or botonist.

The print that is being sold is entitled "The Lady of the Tournament Delivering the Prize".