Materials Lab Workshop: Alternative Lithographic Processes [AT CAPACITY]

This event is at capacity.

In 1796, Alois Senefelder invented lithography, a printing process reliant on the repellent reaction between water and oil-based materials. The method drastically improved the speed and ease of printing at the dawn of the 19th century. Before lithography became a popular commercial process (offset lithography remains the most common type of commercial printing today), artists were among the first to adopt and experiment with the medium.

Théodore Géricault (1791–1824), arguably the Romantic period’s most influential artist, relied on this print medium to produce many of his works. Our current exhibition Mutiny: Works by Géricault, on view through January 6, 2019, explores Géricault’s artistic response to the changes taking place during the Restoration period in Europe. As a prototype for the modern artist, he rejected societal norms through subject matter and composition, and pushed technological boundaries through experiments with process and technique.

In this workshop, participants will explore Géricault’s use of lithography with Christina Taylor, printmaker and assistant paper conservator, and Cassandra Albinson, the Margaret S. Winthrop Curator of European Art. Following an introduction to traditional and alternative lithographic processes and a close look at Géricault’s rare, surviving “stone paper” print matrix in the galleries, the group will engage in a discussion about the benefits and drawbacks of this experimental technique and about Géricault’s commitment to artistic innovation. Workshop attendees will then join Taylor in the Materials Lab to create their own prints using an alternative lithographic process.

This workshop will take place in the Materials Lab, Lower Level.

$15 materials fee. Registration is required and space is limited. Materials fee must be paid to confirm registration. Please email am_register@harvard.edu, stop by the museums’ admissions desk, or call 617-495-1440 to register. Minimum age of 14.

Mutiny: Works by Géricault is on view in the University Research Gallery from September 1, 2018 through January 6, 2019. The exhibition is made possible by funding from the Gurel Student Exhibition Fund. We also thank the three anonymous lenders, each of whom is dedicated to the study and appreciation of Géricault’s work.