Ambon Amboine Indonesia Tropical Ravine and Cascade Antique Print

Description

Ambon Amboine in the Moluccas of Indonesia in an antique nineteenth-century engraving. The sheet bears the heading “Île d’Amboine” and the original French title “Vue prise dans les ravins de Batongantone”.

This dramatic landscape depicts a cascade flowing through a rocky ravine surrounded by tropical vegetation. Water descends between large boulders before reaching a quiet pool in the foreground. Two figures stand beside the stream, providing a sense of scale beneath the high rock walls.

Dense foliage frames the left side of the composition. Trees, palms and plants with long leaves grow around the rocks, contrasting with the sharply defined surfaces of the cliffs. On the right, overhanging formations and deep recesses create strong areas of shade.

The engraving gives particular attention to the textures of the landscape. Fine lines distinguish the foliage, fractured stone and flowing water. Light surfaces on the central rock face stand out against the darker vegetation and sheltered hollows, giving the scene considerable depth.

The original lettering preserves the historical French name Amboine, while the island is now known as Ambon. Both names are retained here to connect the print’s caption with its modern geographical identification.

The sheet is numbered 286 at the upper right and carries the printed credits “Danvin del.” and “Lemaitre sc.” beneath the image.

Period: nineteenth century.
Technique: engraving on paper.
Drawing: Danvin.
Engraver: Lemaître.
Sheet dimensions: 19.3 × 12.3 cm.
Image dimensions: 14.9 × 8.7 cm.

Condition: age-toned paper with scattered small spots and marks. A small area of damage affects the upper sheet edge outside the engraved image. The impression retains clear contrasts and the original captions remain visible. The photograph forms an integral part of the description.

An appealing antique print for collectors of Indonesia, the Moluccas, tropical landscapes and waterfall scenes.