Klederdracht van Overflakkee, Voorne en Oud-Beijerland in Zuid-Holland, 1857 1857

Ruurt de Vries created this print in 1857 showing the traditional costumes of women from Overflakkee, Voorne, and Oud-Beijerland in South Holland. It’s a lithograph, a type of printmaking that allows for detailed lines and subtle gradations of color. The lithographic process involves drawing on a flat stone with a greasy crayon, then treating the stone so that ink adheres only to the drawn areas. This print likely involved multiple stones, one for each color, requiring careful alignment to achieve the final image. These costumes, with their distinctive caps, collars, and jewelry, represent a significant investment of time and labor. The lace, embroidery, and fine fabrics would have been produced through skilled handwork, reflecting the importance of local textile traditions. The costumes themselves are visual markers of identity, displaying the women's regional and cultural affiliations. Looking closely, we can appreciate the artistry not only of de Vries, but also the skill that went into constructing these garments. By considering the making of both the print and the clothing, we can move beyond the image to appreciate the value of craft in everyday life.