Toulouse-Lautrec: La Goulou at the Moulin Rouge, a colour lithographed poster (1891)

Lithography (from Greek λίθος - lithos, 'stone' + γράφω - graphο, 'to write') is a method for printing using a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal (steel or aluminium) plate with a completely smooth surface.

Lithography was invented in 1796 by Bavarian author Alois Senefelder as a low-cost method of publishing theatrical posters. Lithography can be used to print text or artwork onto paper or other suitable material.