Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, Sunday Dress of Huizen Children, 1932, Print

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Charming Sunday Dress of Huizen Children – Late 19th-Century Dutch Costume This captivating antique print from the rare 1932 publication … Read more Charming Sunday Dress of Huizen Children – Late 19th-Century Dutch Costume This captivating antique print from the rare 1932 publication *The National Costumes of Holland* by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt offers a vivid portrayal of children's attire from Huizen, a fishing village on the southern shore of the Zuider Zee. Plate XXXIII, titled “Huizen: Children’s Dress,” showcases the unique Sunday clothing once worn by boys and girls up to the age of fifteen, based on bourgeois fashion styles of the 1880s. The central focus of this richly colored lithograph is the trio of children in highly individualized garments, which reflect the evolving cultural preferences of late 19th-century Dutch society. The girl on the left wears a russet woollen dress featuring *pijpemouwen*—stiff, puffed sleeves—paired with white mittens (*moffen*) intricately knitted with tiny white beads. Her blue-and-white checked cotton pinafore has broad shoulder frills edged in scarlet and lace, while her pleated velvet hat with upstanding ostrich feathers and gold brooch adds a sense of youthful regality. This version of the costume was typically reserved for Sundays and special events. Next to her, a smaller girl—wearing a nearly identical peaked cap and frock but in shades of black and purple—signals mourning attire. The purple apron and black frock, along with the absence of decorative trims, reflect the subtle ways even children participated in cultural mourning traditions. To the right stands a young boy in formal dress rooted in earlier North Holland tradition. His black peaked cap, worn widely in mid-19th century rural communities, is complemented by a tailored blue baize waistcoat with eight silver buttons. His high-collared white shirt, black satin neckerchief with floating ends, and long black trousers bearing four decorative silver buttons at the waist complete his distinguished ensemble. The look reflects the Huizen custom of dressing boys in more refined attire well into their early teens. Framing Tips: To enhance the impact of this colorful and historically significant print, consider framing it with a simple black or dark walnut wood frame and a soft white or antique cream mat. This neutral presentation will emphasize the fine detail and bold color palette without distraction. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vibrancy of the lithograph for years to come. Condition: This original 1932 print is in excellent condition, with vivid color retention, clean edges, and no visible foxing or staining. The paper remains bright and stable, suitable for immediate framing or archival preservation. See less