Klederdracht van Oldenzaal in Overijssel, 1857 1857

Ruurt de Vries made this print in 1857, depicting the traditional costume of Oldenzaal in Overijssel, using lithography. Lithography is a printmaking process that relies on the contrasting properties of grease and water, and it allowed for relatively quick reproduction, meeting the rising demand for images in the 19th century. The clothing shown here tells us much about the sitters' lives. The heavy wool and layered garments suggest a life of manual labor, built for durability and practicality. Consider the time and effort required to produce these textiles. From raising sheep, to spinning wool, to weaving cloth, each step represents countless hours of labor. This print acts as a kind of industrial record, capturing a specific time and place, as well as the cultural and economic values embedded in the clothing itself. By understanding the materials and processes behind this image, and the garments depicted, we gain a richer appreciation of the lives and labor of the people of Oldenzaal.