Charles J. Kleingrothe, Oil Industry at Rantau-Pandjang in Sumatra, 1910s, Photogravure on Card Mount

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Historic double-view photogravure showing the petroleum establishment at Rantau-Pandjang, a key oil production and transport site in East Sumatra during … Read more Historic double-view photogravure showing the petroleum establishment at Rantau-Pandjang, a key oil production and transport site in East Sumatra during the early 20th century. The upper image looks across refinery buildings, canal docks, and shipping — visual evidence of the growing oil export economy of the Dutch East Indies. The lower image offers a panoramic view of the company compound, including residential quarters, processing facilities, and administrative buildings surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Created by Charles J. Kleingrothe, the leading photographer of Medan during the Deli plantation boom, these images document the rapid industrial expansion that accompanied the rise of the petroleum sector in Sumatra. Compared with his tobacco and urban plates, Kleingrothe’s oil industry images are notably harder to acquire. This sheet serves as an important visual record of the early infrastructure that later made Indonesia one of the world’s most significant oil-producing regions. Printed in warm photogravure tones with finely preserved technical detail, the images remain clean and sharp. Original printed captions appear beneath both views in Dutch. Industrial subjects like this are increasingly sought after by collectors focusing on Southeast Asian economic history, energy development, and colonial industry.

Condition report: Very good. The image areas are clean and well printed. Scattered foxing and light toning confined to the card mount margins. No tears, creases, or losses. Verso clean. Technique: Photogravure on original card mount Maker: C.J. Kleingrothe, Medan, ca. 1910 Printer: J.B. Obernetter, München See less