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Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look, drawn to its real size; it is sold unframed unless the description says otherwise.
Towns and Landscapes
Antique Photo Gravure of Soengei Boewaya River, Sumatra, Indonesia, 1910
€230
$255 · £195
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, insured and tracked. 14-day returns.
- Date
- 1910
- Sheet size
- 13.4 × 17.7 in (34 × 45 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Very good for age. Light edge toning and a few small foxing marks in the wide margins only, not affecting the printed image. Strong impression with excellent contrast.
- Island
- Sumatra
- Collection
- Towns and Landscapes
- Period
- Netherlands Indies, 1850 and after
- Stock no.
- f_47662922
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Antique Photo Gravure of Soengei Boewaya River, Sumatra by C.J. Kleingrothe, 1890s
Description:
A striking and atmospheric antique photo gravure of the Soengei Boewaya river in Sumatra, photographed by C.J. Kleingrothe in the late 19th century. This beautifully composed view shows the river meandering through lush tropical forest, with two local figures standing at the water’s edge, adding scale and a quiet human presence to the dramatic natural landscape. The print preserves extraordinary detail in both the foliage and rocky riverbed, providing a vivid glimpse into the landscape of North Sumatra during the colonial period.
C.J. Kleingrothe (German, active in Medan, Deli) is widely regarded as the most important photographer of East Sumatra during the late 19th and early 20th century. His photographs documented plantation life, infrastructure, and the diverse cultures and nature of the Dutch East Indies. Many of his original works were issued as high-quality gravures for presentation albums and exhibitions, making surviving examples increasingly sought after by collectors of Indonesian history.
This original gravure print is mounted on its original sheet with printed captions in three languages: German, Dutch, and English. A powerful historic image with a timeless decorative appeal, ideal for framing in a gallery wall or interior with Asian colonial influence, travel themes, or botanical and landscape art.
Dimensions:
Sheet approx. 52 x 37 cm (20.5 x 14.6 inches)
Image approx. 32 x 24 cm (12.6 x 9.4 inches)
Very good for age. Light edge toning and a few small foxing marks in the wide margins only, not affecting the printed image. Strong impression with excellent contrast.
Framing suggestions:
A dark wood frame (teak or mahogany) or simple black frame pairs well with the sepia tones. A wide off-white or cream mat enhances presentation and draws attention to the river landscape.
