Friesland Gala Dress with Gold Caps and Coral, 1932, Paper

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Friesland Gala Dress with Gold Caps and Coral, Dutch Print, 1932 This elegant hand-colored lithograph is Plate VI from the … Read more Friesland Gala Dress with Gold Caps and Coral, Dutch Print, 1932 This elegant hand-colored lithograph is Plate VI from the 1932 folio The National Costumes of Holland, created by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, with explanatory text by Alma Oakes. Printed in a limited edition of just 500 copies, this series preserves the visual richness of Dutch regional dress through finely executed chromolithography. This plate focuses on ceremonial dress from Friesland, worn by women during the 19th century for gala occasions and formal festivities. The scene depicts two women in richly detailed attire, worn for special events such as the skotse trije, a traditional courtyard dance, or public appearances such as opera visits. Though the costume is formal, it was rarely worn outside festive or ceremonial contexts. It draws from older styles, maintaining 18th-century silhouettes and accessories into the late 19th century. Both women wear tight-fitting bodices known as jak, with long basques and full skirts. The woman on the left wears blue and red taffetas with puffed sleeves and gaged embroidery, while the woman on the right is dressed in green and yellow chintz. The aprons and fichus are of fine lace—one black, one white—carefully draped across the bodice. Beneath these are white knitted stockings and low black shoes with large buckles. Each woman wears a broad golden oorijzer, or traditional Frisian head ornament, beneath a flodder muts, or flared lace cap. This distinctive headwear reflects centuries of regional pride and status. Accessories include embossed black velvet reticules with silver chains and clasps, and threefold necklaces of red coral, sometimes enhanced with gold or even diamonds. On formal occasions, women also added ornamental pins or gold brooches to fasten the fichu and anchor the oorijzer. Technique and condition: Printed by Vincent, Brooks, Day & Son of London, this chromolithograph is an excellent example of early 20th-century color printing. The image is crisp and vibrant, with rich coloration and no visible staining or damage. It retains full margin width and is suitable for both framing and collecting. Framing tips: Use a classic black or dark wood frame to enhance the rich tones of the gowns and the fine lace detail. An off-white or light gray mat will make the coral jewelry and gold headpieces stand out. UV-protective glass is essential to preserve the color saturation and fine linework of this 90-year-old print. See less