[Merchant’s Exchange] ([Philadelphia], ca. 1850). Crayon lithograph, proof before letters. Gift of David Doret.

 

The use of crayon predominated in the making of pictorial lithographs, but was less frequently used in job work such as checks or billheads, which had little or no illustration. Crayon work allowed for more tonal qualities and softness to the imagery, similar to non-printed works on paper. The coarser grain of the stone necessary for crayon work is easily seen in the deeper shading in the foreground of this print.

 

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