Landscape near Probolinggo with Smoking Volcano, Java Lithograph, c.1872

Landscape near Probolinggo with Smoking Volcano, Java Lithograph, Published 1872

This scenic and historically rich chromolithograph presents a dynamic landscape near Probolinggo in East Java, near Malang-, dominated by a gently smoking volcano rising in the background. It is plate number 16 from the rare folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr. and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam around 1872.

The composition is masterfully structured. In the foreground, a clear river cuts across the landscape, flowing beneath a small wooden bridge where a caravan of travelers on horseback and foot is making its way up a steep slope. Above them, cultivated fields stretch across gently rolling hills, where neat footpaths lead to a collection of traditional thatched-roof dwellings nestled among the trees.

The most striking feature of the scene is the distant volcano, its perfect conical form gently releasing a thin plume of smoke into the pastel-toned sky. The volcano, though unnamed, may symbolically represent Mount Semeru or another prominent peak in East Java known for its persistent volcanic activity. The warm early morning or late afternoon light bathes the entire scene in golden hues, casting long shadows and enhancing the sense of depth and atmosphere.

This lithograph captures both the natural drama of Java’s volcanic terrain and the human presence that coexists with it. As with all works in this series, Abram Salm’s original landscape paintings are rendered here with remarkable fidelity and tonal subtlety through the skilled lithographic work of J.C. Greive Jr., enhanced with delicate hand-coloring.

It is a visual document of colonial-era Java, where geography, agriculture, and daily travel were intricately intertwined with the island’s awe-inspiring volcanic landscape. This plate speaks to the rugged beauty of the region and its cultural rhythms.

Condition report:

The lithograph is in very good condition. The image is clear, with excellent color retention and no notable flaws in the printed area. Minor foxing is visible in the wide margins, typical of 19th-century prints. The printed caption ticket is present and intact at the bottom right.

Framing suggestion:

To bring out the golden tones and natural richness of the scene, frame this work in a mid-tone wood such as walnut or cherry. A light tan or cream archival mat will highlight the contrast between the soft sky and the rich vegetation. Use UV-protective museum glass to safeguard the fine hand-colored surface and preserve this exceptional depiction of volcanic Java.

The complete list from this work below. A large number of them available for purchase in my shop:

1. Het land Tjitarap; Assistent-Residentie Buitenzorg

The land of Tjitarap; Assistant Residency of Buitenzorg

2. De Vulkaan de Smeroe; genomen uit de Residentie Pasoeroean

The volcano Smeroe; seen from the Pasoeroean Residency

3. Waterval Singahan; Residentie Rembang

The Singahan Waterfall; Rembang Residency

4. De Suikerfabriek Pangka; Residentie Tagal

The sugar factory Pangka; Tagal Residency

5. Gezicht op het land Tjiliboet; Assistent-Residentie Buitenzorg

View of the land of Tjiliboet; Assistant Residency of Buitenzorg

6. De kleine Baai Srigonjo, zuidkust van Java; Assistent-Residentie Malang, Residentie Pasoeroean

The small bay of Srigonjo, south coast of Java; Assistant Residency of Malang, Pasoeroean Residency

7. Anjer, straat Sunda, Noordkust van Java; Residentie Bantam

Anjer, Sunda Strait, north coast of Java; Bantam Residency

8. De Vuurspuwende Berg Bromo in 1856; Residentie Probolingo

The erupting Mount Bromo in 1856; Probolingo Residency

9. Gezicht op de rivier de Solo; Assistent-Residentie Toeban, Residentie Rembang

View of the Solo River; Assistant Residency of Toeban, Rembang Residency

10. Gezicht op het Kawische Gebergte en op de Tabaks-onderneming; Assistent-Residentie Malang

View of the Kawische Mountains and a tobacco plantation; Assistant Residency of Malang

11. Weg van Buitenzorg naar de Vallei van den Salakh; Residentie Buitenzorg

Road from Buitenzorg to the Valley of Salakh; Buitenzorg Residency

12. De Rivier Brantas als Bergstroom; Residentie Pasoeroean

The Brantas River as a mountain stream; Pasoeroean Residency

13. Landschap in de Bataviasche ommelanden

Landscape in the surroundings of Batavia

14. Landschap in het Malangsche; Residentie Pasoeroean

Landscape in the Malang region; Pasoeroean Residency

15. Huwelijks-optocht in de Vallei van den Salakh

Wedding procession in the Valley of Salakh

16. Landschap in de Residentie Bantam

Landscape in the Bantam Residency

17. Gezicht op het land Kedong Badak en den grooten weg naar Buitenzorg

View of the land Kedong Badak and the main road to Buitenzorg

18. Dorpsfeest in de omstreken van den Ardjoeno; Residentie Soerabaja

Village festival in the surroundings of Mount Ardjoeno...