J.C. Greive Jr. after Abram Salm, The Bathing Place of Wendit, 1872, Lithograph on Paper

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Lithograph, Published 1872
This serene and beautifully composed chromolithograph shows the celebrated bathing place of Wendit, located near Malang in … Read more Lithograph, Published 1872
This serene and beautifully composed chromolithograph shows the celebrated bathing place of Wendit, located near Malang in East Java. It is plate number 21 from the rare folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', based on original paintings by Abram Salm and lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr., published in Amsterdam by Frans Buffa & Zonen around 1872. Wendit was known in the 19th century as a lush, natural bathing site fed by cool springs, surrounded by volcanic hills and palm-shaded paths.

In this image, a peaceful lake or spring glows under the warm hues of early evening or morning light. Javanese villagers line the water’s edge, bathing, washing clothes, or resting after a day's work. The relaxed atmosphere is complemented by the gentle silhouettes of traditional homes on the right, nestled among banana trees and greenery. In the distance, a sweeping ridge of mountains rises softly, its slopes rendered in a blue-lavender mist. The golden sky is reflected in the calm water, providing the perfect setting for quiet communal activity. The entire scene is infused with harmony and grace, showing daily life in an idyllic natural environment untouched by colonial industry or urban growth. Abram Salm’s original painting balances natural landscape with the social fabric of village life. J.C. Greive Jr. captures the delicate interplay of light and color with the chromolithographic process, enhancing the view with hand-finished details that give life to both people and nature. This print is a gentle and elegant document of a place where nature and tradition coexist peacefully—ideal for collectors of tropical landscape art, colonial-era prints, or those drawn to serene depictions of daily life in 19th-century Java.

Condition report: The print is in good condition. The image itself is clean and bright, with beautiful color retention. Foxing is visible across the outer margins but does not significantly affect the main composition. The printed title ticket is present and affixed to the lower right margin. See less