Early 19th c. Brabant Milkmaid & Townswoman in Folk Dress, Published in 1932

About this sheet

Early 19th c. Brabant Milkmaid & Townswoman in Folk Dress – Meierij van Den Bosch

This vibrant and charming costume print from The National Costumes of Holland (1932) captures a vivid contrast between rural and town fashion in the early 19th-century Meierij van Den Bosch region. The image features a milkmaid and a woman from town, showcasing two related yet distinct local interpretations of North Brabant traditional dress, both bearing Flemish influences and typical of the area south of ’s-Hertogenbosch.

The milkmaid on the left wears a strikingly large yellow schelpboed (“shell hat”) with a wide, curved brim of fine straw and a black velvet chin ribbon. Beneath this is a white cambric cap with short frills, while her doek—a square scarf of red cotton with a paisley motif in blue, white, and yellow—is tucked through two open panels in the reddish-purple satinette bodice. The edges of the bodice’s scalloped basque are finished with self-material. Her elbow-length sleeves are brown and yellow striped, and her skirt is boldly striped in red, green, and white. Rolled up to show a red flannel underskirt with white edging, it reveals her blue knitted stockings and white-lined wooden shoes.

On the right, the wealthier townswoman wears the more refined attire of a local citizen. Her spotted mob-cap, or cornette muts, is trimmed with closely pleated narrow lace and secured by a lace-edged under-cap. A neatly pleated white chemise peeks out from her blue and green floral cotton bodice, through whose upper cut-outs her red and white checked doek is stylishly pulled. Her short reddish-purple woollen skirt is partly covered by a black poplin apron with a red check pattern and matching hem. She too wears blue stockings and low black leather shoes decorated with silver rosette-like ornaments. A final touch of luxury: she carries an elegant embroidered green silk handbag with silver mounts and a chamois leather lining.

Excellent condition overall. The print retains its strong original colors and crisp detailing. Minimal toning to the edges and no visible stains, foxing, or tears. Paper is clean and firm.

Framing Tips:
To emphasize the rich textile patterns and vivid contrasts of the garments, a black or dark wood frame with a double mat—outer in cream or parchment tone, inner in deep red, plum, or forest green—will complement the palette and preserve the antique charm. UV-protective glazing is recommended to maintain the print’s color integrity.