Swami Narsimh Bharati

Swami Narsimh Bharati

Size: 9.1 x 6.9 in (23.1 x 17.5 cm)
Date of printing: 1920s-1930s

Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Narasimha Bharathi Mahaswamiji (born as Shivaswami; 11 March 1858-1912) was the head of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham from 1879 to 1912. He is said to have played a significant role in the construction of the Sringeri Complex in Chikkamagaluru.

This is a late half-tone photolithograph from a painting by artist B. B. Joshi. Halftone technique simulates continuous-tone through patterns of round dots, varying in size or in spacing, thus generating a gradient-like effect. Separation of colours is made with a photographic process instead of a manual process. For each colour, a pattern of dots is coated on a metal plate (zinc or aluminum) instead of a litho stone. Over the years the photographic process started gaining popularity as it was faster and easier. Thus, slowly leading to the decline of the workmanship of chromolithographs to deteriorate, and the process of using stone in lithographs stopped.