Antique chromolithograph of the iconic Stadhuis of Batavia which served as the city hall for Batavia from 1627 until 1913. The current structure was completely renovated in 1707. In its history, the building was also used as a governor’s office and military command centre until it was declared a cultural heritage site in 1970, becoming the Jakarta History Museum. The exterior remains as is shown in the lithograph and most of the original flooring, staircases, and large furniture of the interior have been maintained by the museum.

Published in Leiden, the Netherlands, after a water drawing by J.C. Rappard,

Jhr. Josias Cornelis Rappard (1824-1898) was a colonel in the KNIL and a painter. During his posting in the Netherlands Indies 1842-1872, he painted and drew pictures of life and scenes in the Indies that were later, back in Leiden, The Netherlands, would be made into chromolithographs. The Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam holds a large number of these prints and collectors all over the world appreciate Rappard's classic watercolours.

Chromolithography was a popular method for colour printing in the 19th century because of its lower cost and relative ease to mass-produce. The process involves the use of stones and a chemical process to fasten images to the paper. High-end chromolithographs are hand-finished by an artist after the process to ensure the best possible fidelity in each copy.

This lithograph is part of a series, view all by clicking HERE