Gezigt in de Rivier Goa (Sulawesi) - Huell c.1839

Title: Gezigt in de Rivier Goa (View of the River Goa, Celebes) Artist: After Q.M.R. Ver Huell (1787–1860) Lithographer: J.M. Kierdorff Published: From Land- en Volkenkunde (part of the Verhandelingen over de natuurlijke geschiedenis series), c. 1839–1844 Technique: Lithograph with fine hand-coloring Description: A beautiful 19th-century romanticized view of the tropical landscape in Sulawesi (Celebes). This lithograph captures the serene beauty of the Goa River, featuring traditional local sailing vessels (prahus) navigating the waterway. One vessel prominently flies the Dutch flag, signaling the presence of the colonial administration in the region during the mid-1800s. The artwork is prized for its detailed botanical rendering, showcasing the dense, layered canopy of the Indonesian jungle, including various species of palm and banana trees. Key Features: Authentic 19th-Century Lithography: This is not a copperplate engraving like your 18th-century maps, but a high-quality lithograph, which allowed for the softer, more naturalistic textures seen in the foliage and water. Topographical Accuracy: Based on the sketches of Ver Huell, a naval officer and artist who traveled extensively through the Dutch East Indies, ensuring a high degree of botanical and ethnographic accuracy. Celebes Heritage: South Sulawesi items are quite rare in the market compared to Java-centric prints, making this a specific point of interest for collectors of eastern Indonesian history.