Close-ups
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
Medan Race-Course, Colonial Era Horse Racing Scene, Antique Photogravure c.1900
€440
$490 · £370
Original print, not a reproduction
Ships worldwide from the Netherlands, insured and tracked. 14-day returns.
- Date
- 1900
- Sheet size
- 13.4 × 17.7 in (34 × 45 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Very good for age. Image strong and clean. Sheet with scattered age toning and light foxing in wide margins only, not affecting the printed area. Original mounting as published.
- Island
- Sumatra
- Collection
- Towns and Landscapes
- Period
- Netherlands Indies, 1850 and after
- Stock no.
- f_47666172
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.
Medan Race-Course, Colonial Era Horse Racing Scene, Kleingrothe Photogravure c.1900
Historic photogravure depicting the race-course in Medan, Sumatra, around 1900, produced by celebrated German photographer C.J. Kleingrothe, known for his exceptional documentation of life and industry in the Dutch East Indies. This large-format print shows a lively colonial racing event with European spectators along the rail and a jockey mounted on horseback preparing for the track. A judge’s stand flies the Dutch flag, while elegant timber structures, a groom’s area, and the open fields beyond frame a vivid cultural record of leisure in the plantation society of Deli at the turn of the 20th century.
Kleingrothe (1864 to 1925) operated one of the most respected studios in Medan and partnered with notable industrial enterprises, including the tobacco and rubber companies of the region, producing photogravures of exceptional technical and artistic quality. His works are prized today for their documentary significance and scarce survival in such fine original condition.
This is an original c. 1900 photogravure on its original large sheet, printed in Medan and mounted as issued. A striking and collectible visual record of one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic colonial cities.
Very good for age. Image strong and clean. Sheet with scattered age toning and light foxing in wide margins only, not affecting the printed area. Original mounting as published.
Framing Suggestions:
Pairs beautifully with a dark wood frame (teak, walnut) or a gallery black frame. A warm off-white or archival cream mat will enhance the tone and historic feel of the image.
Technique: Photogravure
Maker: C.J. Kleingrothe, Medan, c.1900
