Klederdracht van Zuid-Beveland in Zeeland, 1857 1857

Ruurt de Vries made this print in 1857, depicting the traditional costumes of South Beveland in Zeeland. The lithographic process, a method of printing using a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface, allowed for the detailed replication of images, making this print part of a broader trend of documenting regional identities. The material quality of the print—its flat surface and precise lines—belies the complex social context it represents. The detailed rendering of the clothing, from the bonnets to the jackets, speaks to the labor and skill involved in textile production. The costumes themselves reflect a specific regional identity, preserved and worn as a marker of cultural heritage. Prints like this one contributed to a sense of national identity and cultural preservation. Appreciating this print means looking beyond its aesthetic qualities to consider the traditions of craftsmanship and labor it represents, bridging the perceived gap between art and everyday life.