About this sheet
Wild Landscape with Waterfall and Jungle Life – Java Lithograph, Published 1872
This vividly naturalistic chromolithograph captures an untamed and serene corner of Java’s eastern wilderness, where a small waterfall cascades through the forest, framed by towering trees, scattered rocks, and a quiet jungle atmosphere. It is plate number 20 from the prestigious folio *Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm*, lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr. and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam, circa 1872.
Titled "Woest Landschap; oosthoek van Java" (“Wild Landscape; eastern corner of Java”), this scene offers a glimpse into the untouched terrain of East Java before widespread plantation development. The central focus is a gentle waterfall, whose clear waters tumble between mossy rocks beneath a lone, gnarled tree with new shoots growing from its trunk. Surrounding the stream are dense, leafy palms and tropical foliage, all rendered with stunning detail and subtle shading.
In the lower foreground, a wild animal—possibly a civet or small jungle cat—crouches at the edge of the water, either drinking or bathing. Its presence emphasizes the untamed, undisturbed nature of the location. This print stands out in the series for its complete absence of human presence, highlighting Java’s raw natural beauty in its original, precolonial form.
Abram Salm's vision of Java was not only one of cultural and agricultural interest, but also of deep ecological sensitivity. His compositions capture unique ecosystems with reverence and precision. J.C. Greive’s lithographic interpretation of this scene uses a rich palette and fine texturing to evoke the layered depth of the forest and the sparkling fluidity of water in motion.
This print is ideal for collectors of tropical landscapes, natural history art, or Southeast Asian botanical imagery. It radiates quiet power and the peaceful isolation of the jungle.
Condition report:
The lithograph is in good condition. The image area is vibrant, with clear details and natural tonality. There is noticeable foxing on the margins, especially on the left side, but it does not interfere with the central artwork. The printed title label is present and intact in the lower right.
Framing suggestion:
A dark green or mahogany wood frame would complement the forest tones beautifully. Pair it with an ivory or soft green archival mat to enhance the jungle setting. Museum-quality UV glass is recommended to preserve the fine detail and protect the print from further environmental effects.
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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...
