Sea Charts · 19th century
€ 390
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good for age. Minor foxing and edge toning in the wide margins, not affecting the photogravure itself. Rich tonal range preserved.
Medan – Residence of the Resident of East Coast Sumatra, c.1900 — Kleingrothe Photogravure
This rare original photogravure captures the impressive official residence of the Dutch colonial Resident of the Oostkust van Sumatra (East Coast of Sumatra) in Medan around the turn of the 20th century. The artist is C.J. Kleingrothe, the renowned German photographer who documented the rapid development of Sumatra’s Deli region—from its infrastructure and plantations to its elite colonial architecture.
The building depicted served as the administrative residence for the highest civil authority in the region. At the approximate date of this photograph (ca. 1900), this role was held by Resident H.A. van Steenstraten, following the term of Resident P.J. Kooreman. This grand structure stands as a powerful symbol of colonial expansion, wealth, and political control, reflecting the success of tobacco and other export industries in Medan at the time.
The composition shows a meticulously maintained estate, the façade framed by mature trees, with carriages and figures suggesting everyday activity of the colonial elite. Kleingrothe’s mastery of depth and clarity emphasizes both the architecture’s elegance and the spacious landscaped grounds. These prints were produced in limited numbers, printed on substantial sheets with wide margins, and intended for presentation to investors, government officials, and high-ranking guests.
Rarely available on the market today—especially in such clean condition—this print offers a significant historical record of Medan’s colonial heritage and the visual culture surrounding the Deli Company and its economic power.
A strong centerpiece for collectors of Indonesian colonial photography, architectural history, or Kleingrothe’s work.
Condition: Very good for age. Minor foxing and edge toning in the wide margins, not affecting the photogravure itself. Rich tonal range preserved.
Framing suggestion: A dark wood frame with a cream archival mount will highlight the deep sepia print while preserving the original wide margins.
Technique: Photogravure
Maker: C.J. Kleingrothe, Medan, circa 1900
