Differentiating Between Lithographs and Serigraphs in Art

Understanding the Difference Between Lithograph and Serigraph

Today’s lesson is about two art words: lithograph and serigraph. Let’s look at their history, how to use them, and a trick to remember their meanings.

History

Lithograph: This word comes from the Greek words “lithos” meaning stone and “graphein” meaning to write. This art method started around 1796. It uses stone to print images.

Serigraph: This word comes from the Latin word “sericum” meaning silk and the Greek word “graphein” meaning to write. This method is also called silk screen printing and began in the early 20th century.

How to Use Them

Lithograph:

• The museum has a lithograph of a famous painting.
• She learned how to make a lithograph in her art class.
• The book includes beautiful lithographs of flowers.
• He bought a lithograph from an art fair.
• The lithograph shows a scene from the old city.

Serigraph:

• The t-shirt was made using a serigraph method.
• They use serigraph to print on posters.
• My favorite artist sells serigraph prints.
• The colorful serigraph looked bright and vivid.
• She learned serigraph techniques at art school.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of lithograph as using stones for printing. “Litho” means stone. For serigraph, remember “seri” for silk because it uses silk screens.

Summary

A lithograph uses stone for printing pictures, and it is an old method. A serigraph uses a silk screen, and it is often used for printing on cloth and posters. Both are methods to make art on paper or fabric.