Note: Prior to his death in 2009, the Gallery sold a LaPierre  original of this size for $1,800.  His commissioned work of similar size and subject was selling between $1,800 – $2,500.

Method by which Didier’s signed and numbered lithographs are produced:

The lithographic process is one of flat surface printing from a design drawn on stone. It is based on the principle of the resistance of grease to water. There are no raised or cut portions, as there are in engraving and etching. The image is drawn with greasy ink or chalk on a smooth stone, and the rest of the stone is treated with gum arabic and nitric acid. The gum retains the lines of the greasy design, which repels the water used in printing. Special paper and ink, as well as a special press, are needed to produce the prints.

First used for bird illustration in 1820, lithography was widely adopted by the best artists of the century. The technique was popular because the artist could draw his own illustration directly on the lithographic stone. Prints could be made from the drawing with no intermediary such as an engraver.

Accurately reproduced and then colored by hand, the resulting illustrations give the impression of original watercolor paintings.