Colorful Doornspyk Market Women in Apenjak Coats – Dutch Costume Print, 1932
€ 490
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1932
Sheet size
37 × 27.5 cm (14.6 × 10.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-11824-31
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The print remains in excellent condition with vibrant color retention, minor edge toning consistent with age, and no tears or foxing. It is printed on thick, high-quality paper and was produced by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, London.
About this sheet
Colorful Doornspyk Market Women in Apenjak Coats – Dutch Costume Print, 1932
This charming original print, published in 1932 as part of the rare portfolio The National Costumes of Holland by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, captures two women from Doornspyk (Doornspijk), a village on the southern edge of the Zuider Zee, preparing for a weekly market visit to Elburg. The scene is a vibrant and detailed representation of regional Dutch folk dress from the early 20th century, specifically of the Veluwe district in Gelderland.
The women’s distinctive headgear includes a red-and-white flowered cotton under-cap topped with a white lace cap, framed elegantly around the face with a band of lace. The oorijzer, a silver decorative band, loops tightly around the face and ends in small spiral ornaments near the ears—a detail rooted in 17th-century Dutch tradition. Their black under-bodices, known as thibet, form a stark but elegant contrast to the rich color and patterning of the rest of the attire.
The woman on the left wears a boldly flowered doek (head scarf) and a green kroplap with a subtle herringbone pattern, while her apron is of blue cotton with delicate self-colored stripes and a red checked cotton bow at the neck. Her companion at right wears a striking doek striped in shades of red, while her kroplap is tawny yellow, embroidered with vibrant Indian red and royal blue floral motifs. A charming blue-spotted neck bow is pinned at her throat, and her dark blue cotton apron is finished with a colorful red, white, and blue yoke pattern.
Both women wear the characteristic apenjak, or “apes’ coat,” named so for its resemblance to circus performers’ jackets. These are full-sleeved black garments with gathered waists and collar bands. They also sport hand-knit woolen cuffs intricately beaded with tiny white dots, and traditional blue knitted stockings paired with stout leather shoes featuring silver buckles.
The print itself is hand-colored and set against a decorative background of Delft-style windmill tiles, a motif recurring throughout the series. The color palette is striking and harmonious, and the scene is filled with quiet storytelling—baskets full of produce, a wrapped umbrella, and expressive facial details.
Excellent original condition with vivid hand-coloring and clean margins. Minor edge wear from original binding is present but does not affect the image area. No tears or foxing visible.
Framing Tips: This piece would display beautifully in a wide ivory or off-white mat with a subtle patterned frame in soft gray or antique oak. To emphasize the Dutch folk theme, consider a frame with light blue or Delft tile-inspired accents. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the vibrant hand-coloring.
