Marken Mourning Dress, Original 1932 Dutch Costume Print

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Marken Mourning Dress, Original 1932 Dutch Costume Print

This original 1932 lithograph from *The National Costumes of Holland* illustrates the detailed and culturally significant mourning attire of women and children in Marken, one of the most traditional fishing communities in the Netherlands. Published in a limited edition of only 500 copies by George G. Harrap & Co. in London, this print is one of a rare set of highly decorative plates created from the original works by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt, with explanatory text by Alma Oakes.

The plate, titled "Marken: Mourning," captures the somber elegance of regional Dutch dress in a time of bereavement. The people of Marken observed a mourning period of no less than five years for close relatives, and the intensity of mourning was reflected in the garments' colors and decorations. Here we see three female figures—two standing and one kneeling—all dressed in progressively subdued tones.

The adult figures wear a combination of black, blue, and purple, with fine checkered kerchiefs, chest-protectors, and aprons edged in narrow white braids or intricate stitched detailing. The kneeling woman, who appears to be washing clothes, wears a deep blue-black striped skirt, dark purple sleeves, and a kerchief stitched in muted hues. The children's clothing has been similarly adjusted to the period of mourning, replacing the typical vivid red and yellow details with somber purples, heliotrope, and dark blues.

Printed in rich color lithography, the image is both historically informative and artistically beautiful. Each detail—from the layering of petticoats and aprons to the distinctive Marken caps and blue braiding—offers a window into the traditional practices and cultural values of the Dutch fishing communities in the early 20th century.

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, one of the leading chromolithographic houses of the period.

Framing Tips:
This piece pairs beautifully with a simple natural wood or dark-stained frame, ideally with a deep mat in off-white or soft grey to echo the muted tones of mourning. A non-reflective UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve its delicate colors for years to come. This print makes an excellent wall feature in a study, hallway, or gallery wall with other costume or ethnographic artworks.