Print Room: Image Maps of Printmaking Techniques

Drawing on the lithographic stone is done with a variety of drawing materials. One of the most common of these drawing materials is the lithographic crayon. Bonington used the lithographic crayon with remarkable virtuosity. As you move around this image you will see subtle tonal passages, probably done with the flat side of the crayon (the subtle texture you see in the details is actually the texture of the lithographic stone on which Bobington drew). You will also encounter many details drawn by the artist with a highly sharpened crayon. Finally, you will find areas where Bonington has worked back into the lithographic image with a needle, scratching through his drawing and directly into the stone. These scratches print as fine white lines. A good example of this latter technique can be seen in the clock face.