About this sheet
This finely executed hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Hollande,” originates from the mid-19th-century French publication Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, published in Paris around 1845–1850 by Amédée Bedelet. Drawn by Leloir, lithographed by J. Bocquin, and printed by Lemercier, this series stands among the most elegant visual records of global and regional costume traditions produced in France during the Romantic era.
The composition depicts men and women from the Netherlands, focusing on traditional attire from Nord-Hollande and Zuyderzee. The scene takes place along a Dutch canal, identifiable by the distinctive windmills and stepped gables in the background—iconic symbols of Holland’s landscape. In the foreground, a man in the plain, practical costume of North Holland, with a red waistcoat, short blue trousers, and striped socks, sits casually on wooden planks near the water’s edge. He gestures toward two women walking past: one in a dark blue jacket over a golden skirt, the other in a richly detailed red-bodiced dress with a white lace cap, carrying a small keg on her shoulder yoke.
Behind them, a pair of women converse while balancing baskets on their heads, their aprons and fitted bodices reflecting regional variations in Dutch working attire. On the far right, a couple in traditional Zuyderzee dress stands near a building façade—the man wearing a long blue coat and black hat, his companion in a vertically striped skirt and lace cap reminiscent of Volendam or Marken costume styles.
This charming lithograph captures the quiet rhythm of daily life in 19th-century Holland, presenting both the dignity and simplicity of rural and coastal communities. The setting evokes an atmosphere of calm industry, reinforced by the soft, naturalistic color palette—muted grays, ochres, and blues—beautifully applied by hand.
Plates from Le Monde en Estampes were admired not only for their artistic refinement but also for their documentary value, preserving the distinctive regional identities that industrialization was beginning to transform.
Condition report: Very good condition with light age toning and mild foxing, mostly in the margins. Image area clean, colors vivid and well preserved, impression strong.
Framing tips: This piece pairs well with a cream or warm beige mat and a natural oak or maple frame to enhance the Dutch tones of the print. For a more elegant presentation, a thin black or antique gold frame provides a classic contrast.
