NSK Print Collection the host of 2026 “Heritage at Hand at CroAtrium” event #3

From the rich holdings of the Print Collection of the National and University Library in Zagreb (NSK), on 28 April 2026 the third event of the Library’s 2026 Heritage at Hand at CroAtrium programme will present lithographs, the works of one of the most widespread graphic arts technique.

In a lecture by Professor at the Graphic Arts Department of the Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts Miran Šabić, the event participants will hear about the history of lithography in general as well as in the context of the development of the Academy, which will next year mark 70 years since the introduction into its programme of the study of graphic arts, the first such academic programme in Croatia.

Lithography, alive and kicking after almost more than 230 years

Invented in the late 18^th century, lithography quickly became widely used by artists, who so readily took to it owing to its simplicity. Also, enabling an inexpensive reproduction of works of visual art, it made them directly available to parts of society which until then had no direct – and in many cases any – access to this type of artwork.

Far from being a thing of history, lithography is currently undergoing a renaissance of a kind. In addition to the activities of institutions such as the Academy, which preserves historical presses as part of its lithography workshop, at the same time making available to its students the latest, electronic lithographic presses and other advanced printing technology along with a comprehensive lithographs collection, giving fresh impetus to lithographic tradition is also a growing number of new lithography centres and workshops and calls for proposals for lithography-focused projects and initiatives.

NSK Print Collection – a particularly valuable part of Croatica

Apart from learning about the history of lithography and its use in printing and art, the event participants will also be able to see a practical demonstration of the process of making lithographs. Also, a selection of lithographs from the NSK Print Collection, one of Croatica’s four most valuable sub-collections, will be exhibited as part of the event programme.

In addition to drawings, print portfolios, art posters and postcards, lithographs make a significant part of the Collection’s holdings. Boasting the works by notable Croatian artists such as Tomislav Krizman, Ljubo Babić, Dragutin Renarić, Vladimir Kirin, Franjica (Fanny) Daubachy-Doljska Brlić and others, it also includes lithographs by Honoré Daumier, Käthe Kollwitz and other famous names of world art.

The event will take place at CroAtrium (12.00, conference hall Judita), our interactive multimedia lab hosting programmes aimed at presenting Croatia’s national library collection to different audiences and enabling the interpretation of its treasures through the most advanced technologies and formats.

Register for attending at osj@nsk.hr, participation is free of charge!