Vincent, Brooks, Day & Son, Staphorst Ceremonial Dress with Shell Hat and Silver Fobs, 1932, Paper

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This richly detailed hand-colored lithograph is Plate IX from the 1932 folio The National Costumes of Holland by Gratiane de … Read more This richly detailed hand-colored lithograph is Plate IX from the 1932 folio The National Costumes of Holland by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, with historical notes by Alma Oakes. Issued in a limited edition of only 500 copies for commercial use, the series documents the vanishing traditional dress of the Netherlands in full color.

This plate features ceremonial attire from Staphorst, worn at major life events such as baptisms, weddings, funerals, and military conscription. The central seated figure is the conscripted son, honored in a traditional ritual that involved drawing lots. He wears the distinctive Staphorst beaver-cloth waistcoat and trousers, with silver buttons in double rows down the chest. His white linen shirt is fastened with two gold buttons known locally as Staphorst bolle, and above his waistband is a checked neckerchief. A silver fob chain with a watchkey and seal dangles from his belt. Most eye-catching is his elaborate shell hat, or schelphoed, an 18th-century style with a curved brim edged in straw braid and a tall crown entirely covered with pleated blue ribbons. Long ribbons in many colors hang at the back, while pink and gold ribbon strands frame the face. His look is festive, theatrical, and steeped in local tradition. The mother, standing at left, wears a deeply pleated black silk skirt and cashmere apron, along with a white fluted cap (nieptjes muts) and a lace fichu folded over her chest. Her bodice is tightly fitted, and she carries a small red velvet reticule at her side. Her ornate bonnet features a wide brim with blue silk under-cap and a white lace edge. The father, standing at right, wears a tall black top hat with flared brim, typical of the 1830s. His blue waistcoat is adorned with silver buttons, while his trousers and long coat are made from heavy beaver cloth. A black silk mourning scarf around his collar reflects a recent bereavement. The four silver buttons at his waistband, wide belt, and steel-buckled shoes complete the look.
Technique and condition: This print was produced using chromolithography by Vincent, Brooks, Day & Son in London, a renowned firm known for their precision and color richness. The image is in excellent condition, with clean margins, sharp detailing, and no visible flaws, making it ideal for framing or collecting. See less