About this sheet
Mount Bromo Volcano Erupting in 1856 – East Java Lithograph, Published 1872
This dramatic landscape shows Mount Bromo, one of Java’s most iconic and active volcanoes, during an eruption in the year 1856. The scene, captured as plate 8 in the prestigious folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', combines geological spectacle with careful artistic composition. The work was lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr. after a painting by Abram Salm and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam around 1872.
In this chromolithograph, Mount Bromo rises sharply in the center of the composition, flanked by rugged volcanic ridges and framed by a serene, early morning or late afternoon sky. The jagged slopes are rendered in purplish and greyish tones, catching the ambient light, while clouds gather gently above. The ashen plain in the foreground—the Tengger caldera—is sparsely populated, with a small caravan of people and horses crossing from left to right. Their small size in relation to the vast, open terrain emphasizes the scale and isolation of the volcanic region.
Mount Bromo, situated in East Java’s Probolinggo Residency, is part of the larger Tengger massif and has long held spiritual and cultural significance for local communities. Salm’s depiction captures both its raw natural power and the stillness of the surrounding landscape, creating a powerful contrast. The original painting was translated into lithographic form by Greive with remarkable skill, using subtle tonal gradations and hand-finished color to bring the volcanic terrain to life.
This lithograph is not just a beautiful landscape—it is a visual document of a historical eruption, rendered with firsthand observation and artistic mastery. It would be a superb addition to any collection of colonial-era travel art, geological illustration, or Indonesian history.
Condition report:
The print is in very good condition. The image retains excellent clarity and color balance. No creases, tears, or foxing are visible within the image area. The original mount shows only light age spotting and some handling wear at the edges. The printed title ticket is present and intact at the lower right.
Framing suggestion:
We recommend framing this piece in a dark wood frame—such as walnut or teak—to complement the earthy tones of the volcano and landscape. A warm grey or taupe archival mat would help draw the eye into the volcanic terrain. Museum-quality glass with UV protection is advised to preserve the richness of the hand-finished coloring and detail.
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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; Soerabaja Residency
19. Landschap bij maneschijn in de omstreken van...
