De Indische Archipel by C.W. Mieling (1865-1876)

De Indische Archipel. ~ C.W. Mieling 1865 – 76

Title: De Indische Archipel. – Tafereelen uit de natuur en het volksleven in Indië.

It was in January 1862 that a Prospectus was issued by C. W. Mieling, The Hague, announcing the publication of what is the most spectacular of the plate works of Indonesia, De Indische Archipel, which commenced publication in The Hague in 1865. The work contains 24 large chromolithograph plates which are among the largest published on Indonesia. From both a topographical and artistic point of view the plates are of considerable interest as they present a comprehensive series of views in the archipelago, ranging through Java. Borneo, Sumatra and Minahasa, after drawings by virtually all the prominent mid-nineteenth century artists of Indonesia:

Raden Saleh

A. Salm

E. Hardouin

C. Deeleman

J. S G. Gramberg

F C. Wilsen

Jhr. L. H. W. M. de Stuers

F. Lebret

Th. J. D. van Herwerden

This is a very rare first edition (only 1 copy in Nederlandse Centrale Catalogus – NCC and only 1 copy in JAP, sold in 1974) of a sumptuous work originally published in 12 instalments (started in 1865 by C.W. Mieling and completed in 1876 by J.M. van ‘t Haaff, both in The Hague). A magnificent example of 19th-cent. From both a topographical and artistic point of view, the plates are of considerable interest as they present a comprehensive series of views in the archipelago.

INDONESIA – DEVENTER Jsz., S. VAN [a.o.]. De Indische Archipel. Tafereelen uit de natuur en het volksleven in Indië – ‘s Gravenhage, C.W. Mieling [& J.M. van ‘t Haaff], 1865 [-1876]. With lithogr. title (printed in yellow-ochre) and 24 chromo-lithogr. views & plates (each accompanied by a letterpress text-leaf). Large folio, contemp. green h.morocco, gilt panelled upper cover with central gilt brass coat-of-arms (dep. 2 Dutch lions). * Bastin/Brommer 620 (& pp. 40-44). Landwehr (Col. Pl. Bks) 270. Tiele 49.