A. Salm, Java Landscapes, 1800s, Deluxe Folio Chromolithographs, Paper, Set of 2

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Java landscapes – pair of deluxe folio chromolithographs by a. Salm, 1865-72 this evocative pair of large-format chromolithographs comes from … Read more Java landscapes – pair of deluxe folio chromolithographs by a. Salm, 1865-72 this evocative pair of large-format chromolithographs comes from the scarce deluxe folio edition of “java. Naar schilderijen en teekeningen van a. Salm. Op steen gebracht door j.c. Greive”, published in amsterdam by f. Buffa & zonen between 1865 and 1872. Executed after the plein-air paintings of dutch artist andreas salm (1815-1874) and transferred to stone by the gifted lithographer johannes christiaan greive (1837-1891), the series was intended to present european audiences with a vivid, almost tangible impression of life and scenery in the dutch east indies at the zenith of the colonial era. The deluxe issue — printed on heavy wove stock measuring roughly 60 × 45 cm per sheet — was reserved for patrons, officials and well-heeled subscribers; surviving examples are markedly rarer than the medium and small formats produced later. The first plate offers a sweeping prospect toward the volcanic highlands, dominated by a ribboning waterfall that plunges through boulder-strewn ravines before feeding an emerald valley below. A bamboo-railed path curves across the foreground, where two javanese travellers in conical straw hats provide a sense of scale and movement. Coconut and sago palms rise in clustered groves, while a scattering of kampong houses nestles in the mid-distance. Salm’s hallmark is the way he orchestrates colour: warm moss-greens and deep shadowed indigos are set off by silvery spray and a pale, cloud-flecked sky, producing a rich illusion of equatorial humidity that is amplified by greive’s meticulous multi-stone printing. The companion scene is bathed in early-morning light. Here the viewer stands at the edge of a meandering river whose glassy surface is broken by stepping-stones and low cataracts. On a shaded bank, a group of women in sarongs wash garments and bathe, their gestures recorded with ethnographic immediacy. Beyond them, water buffalo graze and a neat line of palm-roofed dwellings fronts the plain. Banana leaves and tangled undergrowth frame the left foreground, creating a repoussoir that draws the eye to mist-softened foothills on the horizon. The restrained pastel palette — muted ochres, faded aquamarine, pale jade — evokes the languor of sunrise in the tropics, showing the colouristic subtlety attainable with first-generation chromolithography. Both prints bear the discreet letterpress titles “a. Salm” at the top and “java” at the bottom, a typographic feature unique to the deluxe sheets. Contemporary accounts suggest that no more than a few dozen complete sets were issued; individual plates of this size rarely survive in such evenly inked, unfaded condition. Their large scale, painterly modelling and harmonious tonality make them exceptional choice pieces for collectors of dutch colonial art, indonesian historical material or nineteenth-century chromolithography. When framed together, they create a panoramic diptych that captures two complementary moods of javanese landscape — the dramatic energy of rushing water and the serene rhythm of everyday village life — encapsulating the romantic vision that fuelled european fascination with the east indies throughout the mid-victorian period. Condition report: both chromolithographs are in very good condition, especially considering their age of over 150 years. The prints retain their strong, rich coloration, with no significant fading—an important feature for works produced using early chromolithographic techniques. The images remain vivid, with well-balanced tones and sharp detail. The paper is heavy wove stock, typical of the deluxe folio edition, and appears stable and sound. There are some minor signs of age, such as light surface handling marks and occasional spots of foxing, mainly in the outer margins. These do not intrude upon the printed image areas. A faint central vertical fold is visible on one sheet, likely resulting from earlier storage or original production practices. This fold is unobtrusive and does not detract from the overall appearance. The margins are full and untrimmed, preserving the original layout with printed titles “a. Salm” at the top and “java” at the bottom of each sheet. No tears, losses, or repairs are evident. Overall, both sheets are well-preserved examples of large-format 19th-century dutch chromolithography, suitable for high-quality display or collection. The image sheet measures 49 x 59.5 cm (approximately 19.3 x 23.4 inches). The mount board measures 68.5 x 84.3 cm (approximately 27.0 x 33.2 inches). Framing tips: to best preserve and display these rare chromolithographs, use conservation-grade materials and techniques. Mount each print on acid-free mount board, allowing for a generous margin around the image. This will help preserve the original sheet edges and printed titles and contribute to a professional, museum-style presentation. Use uv-filtering glass or acrylic to protect the colors from further fading. Museum glass is recommended if budget allows, as it offers superior clarity and low reflection in addition to uv protection. A simple and elegant wooden frame works well. For a classic look, consider dark wood tones like walnut or black. If you prefer a lighter or more tropical appearance, natural teak or a warm bamboo-toned frame could echo the landscape’s setting and origins. These prints are ideally displayed together as a set. Align them side by side with equal spacing between the frames—about 3 to 5 centimeters—to create a diptych that enhances the narrative connection between the two scenes. Hang them at eye level in a dry, shaded interior space away from direct sunlight, high humidity, or temperature fluctuations. Properly framed, this set offers a striking and historically significant depiction of 19th-century java, blending fine art, cultural history, and decorative beauty. See less