Dutch Women and Infant Traditional Dress from Marken, Old Costume Print, 1932

Dutch Women and Infant Traditional Dress from Marken, Antique Costume Print

This vibrant and highly detailed original print features the elaborate and richly colored traditional dress of women and infants from Marken, a Dutch island known for its deeply rooted cultural heritage and distinctive costume traditions. Taken from *The National Costumes of Holland*, a rare 1930s portfolio issued in only 500 copies, this image is Plate XXI in the series and captures the ornate layering and craftsmanship of Marken's folk attire.

At the center of the composition, a Marken woman holds an infant dressed in finely pleated swaddling garments of white linen and adorned with lace, bib, and bonnet, styles that have remained unchanged since the sixteenth century. The baby wears four layered caps, the outermost of which is crocheted in red and white and fastened with a chin strap. To her side, another young child, likely a girl, wears a brown and blue patterned dress with floral embellishments and a colorful headpiece, reflecting the same rich textile tradition and decorative layering.

The mother’s costume is perhaps the most striking. Her headwear alone comprises an intricate system of bands, caps, ribbons, and lace, including the *brief*, *zoompje*, *opjeslintje*, and *hoepel*, topped with a fine transparent batiste cap secured by gold pins. She also wears a bodice of red striped chintz with embroidery, a pleated wool skirt in dark blue, and a vividly embroidered apron. Her look is completed with traditional wooden clogs and coral jewelry. These garments were made at home by Marken women and were often preserved for generations.

The image is set against a background of soft grey Delft-style tiles with sailing ships, reinforcing the coastal and insular identity of Marken. As described in the accompanying text, the complexity and maintenance of these costumes are unparalleled in the Netherlands, with each piece serving not only decorative but symbolic and traditional functions. This illustration is both a visual delight and a valuable ethnographic document.

Condition:

This antique chromolithograph is in excellent condition with vivid, unfaded colors. The sheet shows only minor toning appropriate for its age and retains clean margins, ideal for framing.

Framing Tips:

To best present this work, consider a simple frame in light or medium wood, or a traditional black profile to contrast the bright garments. Use a wide, off-white or light cream mat to provide breathing space and highlight the intricate details. UV-protective glass or acrylic is recommended to preserve the delicate color integrity of this historical piece.