Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, Traditional Dutch Costume from Marken Men and Children in Festive Dress, 1932, Print

Traditional Dutch Costume from Marken – Men and Children in Festive Dress This vibrant and richly detailed print portrays men and children from the island of Marken in traditional Dutch dress, showcasing the ceremonial garments still worn during festivals such as Whitsuntide. The image captures the striking use of color, intricate embroidery, and decorative symbolism that define this remarkable regional costume tradition. At the center, a smiling Marken father cradles a baby boy in festive attire. The infant wears several layers of caps: a white under-cap, a red cotton cap, and a white lace-edged bonnet, all secured with an embroidered summer bonnet known as a zondag. His dress is a white and red checked cotton vest, with flower-patterned sleeves and a bib embroidered in white. A blue cotton apron with a grapevine design and a green leather strap holding a brown leather chain completes his outfit. To the left and right stand two young girls in their finest Whitsun dress. Their costumes are distinguished by the highly ornate rigglijf, or corset, which in Marken serves not only as a support garment but also as a display of family heritage and devotion. The corsets are made of greenish-yellow fabric, heavily boned and richly embroidered in multicolored silks and wool. Each has padded rolls to give the skirt extra volume at the hips. Beneath the corset are overmouwen, or false sleeves, in purple sateen with red and blue braid. Their blue skirts, edged in red and stitched with matching braid, are flat in front and pleated at the back. Their aprons, or boezels, feature red and white cross-stitched initials and patterns, and are tied with red and white cords. Notably, the white cotton fichu worn over the shoulders is embroidered with delicate light-blue stitching. The girls' elaborate bonnets, made in three pieces and edged in lace and yellow chintz, are secured with a distinctive chin-strap. This print beautifully illustrates the Marken tradition of passing costume elements through generations. Every detail—each ribbon, stitch, or clasp—tells a story of local pride and identity preserved in textile form. Condition: The print is in very good condition with only minor age toning at the edges, typical for works of this vintage. The colors remain vivid, and the detail is crisp and beautifully preserved. Framing Tips: To enhance the vivid palette and intricate textile details, consider framing this piece in a simple dark wood or gold-tone frame with a cream or ivory mat. UV-protective glass is recommended to maintain the color integrity for years to come. This piece also pairs beautifully with other Dutch regional costume prints from the same series.