About this sheet
Anjer, Sunda Strait, North Coast of Java – 19th Century Lithograph with Ships at Anchor
This evocative maritime scene, identified as plate 7 from the rare folio 'Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm', depicts the coastal town of Anjer (also known as Anyer) on the northwestern tip of Java, overlooking the famed Sunda Strait before the Krakatoa or Krakatau erupted in 1883. Lithographed by J.C. Greive Jr. after a painting by Abram Salm and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam (circa 1865–1872), this composition captures a serene moment on calm waters, with several ships riding at anchor in the early light of day or perhaps just before dusk.
The central focus of the lithograph is a tall three-masted square-rigged vessel, its sails partly set or lowered, while a fleet of smaller schooners or barques floats to its right, their elegant outlines reflected in the gently rippling sea. Behind them rises the prominent volcanic peak of the Karang mountain range, rendered with soft contours and a golden wash of sunlight, providing dramatic backdrop and depth to the coastal panorama.
Anjer held strategic significance during the colonial period as a maritime outpost and anchorage for ships transiting between Batavia and the wider Indian Ocean. This calm and balanced composition elegantly records not only the natural beauty of the Javanese coastline but also the importance of maritime commerce and Dutch naval presence in the East Indies.
Abram Salm, a Dutch settler and self-taught artist who lived in Java for nearly 30 years, infused his landscapes with firsthand observation. His watercolors and paintings were transformed into chromolithographs of the highest quality by J.C. Greive Jr., a master of the technique. The hand-finishing evident in this edition enhances the subtle hues of sky and sea, lending the image a warm, painterly glow.
This lithograph is a quintessential 19th-century Dutch colonial maritime scene—both historically significant and visually refined—ideal for collectors, curators, or maritime art enthusiasts.
Condition report:
The print is in very good condition. The image area is clean with vivid color retention, especially in the sky and water tones. The paper mount shows light foxing and very minor age-related toning, but no tears or significant damage. The original printed title ticket is intact and affixed to the lower right of the mount.
Framing suggestion:
To highlight the luminous tones and maritime ambiance of this print, consider a deep blue or neutral linen mat with a slim teak, walnut, or dark wood frame. The calm sea and golden sky benefit from museum glass with UV protection to preserve the subtle hand-applied color and prevent fading over time.
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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...
