About this sheet
Village Festival near Mount Ardjoeno – Java Celebration Lithograph, Published 1872
This vibrant and richly detailed lithograph captures a lively village celebration in the region surrounding Mount Ardjoeno (Arjuno), located in the Residency of Soerabaja (modern-day Surabaya) in East Java. It is plate number 18 from the renowned folio *Java, naar schilderijen en teekeningen van A. Salm*, based on original works by Abram Salm and published by Frans Buffa & Zonen in Amsterdam around 1872, with lithography by J.C. Greive Jr.
In the foreground, the viewer is greeted by a festive procession and gathering. Figures are seen dancing, socializing, and perhaps taking part in a traditional performance or ceremony. The atmosphere is one of communal joy, with a sense of rhythm and movement animated by the graceful poses and colorful attire of the participants. A tall flag waves above the crowd, possibly marking the center of the event or a place of local authority.
Behind the celebrants, a cluster of traditional thatched-roof houses nestles among dense palm groves and banana plants. Towering above the entire landscape is the imposing Mount Ardjoeno, its form lit delicately by the setting or rising sun. The soft light filters through the trees and bathes the village in a golden hue, enhancing the harmony between nature and culture.
Abram Salm’s sensitivity to Javanese customs and landscapes is evident here. Unlike many colonial-era depictions that focused solely on exoticism or industrial expansion, this scene captures the warmth and complexity of rural life. Greive’s lithographic interpretation, combined with hand-applied color, brings out fine detail in both the figures and the natural setting, creating a balanced and immersive composition.
This print stands out for its dynamic representation of indigenous life, offering a historical and artistic document of celebration in a mountain village—rare among 19th-century European portrayals of Java.
Condition report:
This lithograph is in very good condition. The image is clean and retains its original brightness and detail. Margins show minor foxing and light age toning, consistent with its age. The original printed title ticket is intact and affixed in the lower right corner.
Framing suggestion:
To highlight the colorful and festive character of the image, a dark wood or ebony frame would provide strong contrast, while a warm cream or ivory archival mat will draw focus to the figures and mountain backdrop. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the fine detail and protect the surface from light exposure.
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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...
