Klederdracht van de provincie Overijssel, 1857 1857

This print, "Klederdracht van de provincie Overijssel" was made in 1857 by Ruurt de Vries, using lithography. Looking closely, you’ll notice the process has a remarkable effect on the image. Lithography, unlike engraving, allows for soft gradations of tone. This gives the scene of women in traditional dress a real sense of depth. The clothing, rendered with such detail, speaks to the rich textile traditions of the Overijssel province. Consider the labor involved: from the cultivation of flax or wool, to the spinning, weaving, and dyeing of the fabrics, and finally, the skilled handwork required to assemble these garments. This print is not just an image, but an index of the cultural work embedded in the clothing itself. By focusing on the materials and making, we can understand this print as more than a picturesque scene, but also as a document of social and economic life.