Methodological Framework: The Portable Lithographic Device
The present research, Lithography in Situ, investigates the use of autochthonous stones from selected territories in Portugal, exploring their potential for lithographic practice. The methodological approach establishes a connection between cultural, historical, and geological contexts, where each chosen material embodies the identity of its place of origin.
Within this framework, the study unfolds through sequential phases. The initial phase focuses on the historiography of lithography, with particular attention to the portable lithographic press—its development, use, and adaptation across time and space. This historical examination provides the foundation for a contemporary reinterpretation of the device as both a technical tool and a conceptual bridge between tradition and experimentation.
The research further aims to reconstruct a functional portable press, designed for use in situ—in quarries and open environments—allowing for direct engagement with the geological sources of lithographic stone. This reconstruction is not limited to replication; it involves adapting the press to current technological and ergonomic needs, ensuring its practicality and mobility while preserving the authenticity of the original technique.