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Mountain Road to the Salakh Valley (Puncak Pass), Java ? Colonial Landscape Lithograph, 1872 This richly detailed chromolithograph presents a scenic mountain route leading into the lush Salakh Valley, in the region of Buitenzorg (now Bogor), West Java. It is plate number 11 from the rare and luxurious folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', based on original works by Abram Salm and lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr., published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam around 1872. The composition immerses the viewer in a dramatic vertical landscape, where the winding path descends between two forested hillsides. In the foreground, two mounted travelers follow a rugged dirt road that cuts through dense tropical vegetation. A small structure, likely a guardhouse or rest stop, marks the entrance to a wider valley beyond. Above them, the terrain rises sharply, and at the top of the opposite hill, a traditional Javanese village nestles into the landscape. Palm trees sway across the scene, while soft sunlight bathes the misty mountains in gentle hues of rose, lavender, and sage. The entire image exudes a quiet energy and suggests movement through both space and time?from the shaded path below into the distant, sunlit valley ahead. The road to the Salakh Valley was a well-known colonial route and symbolized the intersection of Dutch infrastructure and indigenous culture in Java's mountainous interior. Abram Salm, a Dutch resident of Java for nearly three decades, portrayed such locations with sensitivity and realism. His watercolors were faithfully transformed into richly toned chromolithographs by J.C. Greive Jr., who used hand finishing to enhance depth, texture, and light. This plate captures the romanticism and raw beauty of Java's interior highlands, offering a glimpse into landscapes seldom seen in European prints of the time. Its vertical format and strong perspective make it particularly striking for display. Condition report: The print is in very good condition with strong, well-preserved color and no damage in the image area. A small mark in the upper sky area may be a slight printer's or age-related flaw but does not detract from the composition. The mount shows mild age toning and very light foxing. The printed caption ticket in the lower right corner is intact. Framing suggestion: Given the vertical orientation and depth of the composition, a slim, tall frame in dark wood or black would suit the piece well. An off-white or light earth-tone mat will enhance the contrast between the lush foliage and the pastel sky. Consider using museum-quality glass for optimal color preservation and protection. Would you like to continue with the next plate? ------ 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; Assis.
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