Marble Paper c.1850

Original Marble Paper
Date: c.1850
Title: Marble Paper
Original Color
Condition: Good
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Price: $35

Paper Size: 8 H x 6 W
Image Size: 8 H x 6 W
Dimensions are in inches.   Images do not reflect true colors, click here for more info.

Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce patterns similar to smooth marble or other stone. The patterns are the result of color floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric. Through several centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety of surfaces. It is often employed as a writing surface for calligraphy, and especially book covers and endpapers in bookbinding and stationery. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monotype with no two looking exactly alike.

Historic forms of marbling used pure pigments mixed with water for colors, and sizes were traditionally made from natural sources.  Sizing or size is a substance that is applied to paper to act as a protecting filler or graze. Since the late 19th century Irish moss has been employed for sizing.

In the sized-based method, colors made from pigments are mixed with a surfactant such as ox gall. These are then spattered or dropped onto the size, one color after another, until there is a dense pattern of several colors. Straw from the broom corn was used to make a kind of whisk for sprinkling the paint, or horsehair to create a kind of drop-brush. Once the colors are laid down, various tools and implements such as rakes or combs, are used in a series of movements to create more intricate patterns. Paper or cloth is gently laid onto the floating colors and the colors are thereby transferred to the surface of the paper.

This old print for sale is a vintage print, a historic print of the 1800s, which has aged with time.  Please visit Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about ancient prints and condition.

All of our antique maps, antique prints and artwork are original. We do not sell reproductions.

Source: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.