Lithography is a printing technique that depends on the fact that grease and water do not mix. The design is drawn or painted on to the printing surface. The areas to be printed are covered with grease, while the blank areas are moistened. When greasy ink is applied to the whole printing surface, it clings to the greasy areas, but not to the wet ones. The ink is transferred from the printing surface to the paper by pressure. In this print Gericault has used a solution of the greasy drawing medium like paint, to create the impression of the steamy atmosphere of the blacksmith's shop.