Old Lithograph of a Hindeloopen Nurse and Children with Painted School Box, 1932

About this sheet

Hindeloopen Nurse and Children with Painted School Box, 1932

This delightful hand-colored lithograph is Plate IV from the rare 1932 folio The National Costumes of Holland, created by Gratiane de Gardilanne and Elizabeth Whitney Moffatt with descriptive text by Alma Oakes. Printed in only 500 copies for commercial use, each plate is a beautifully crafted record of Dutch folk costume, reflecting a time when regional identity was woven into daily clothing and customs.

Titled 'A Hindeloopen Nurse with Her Charges', the print shows a nurse carrying a swaddled baby and standing beside a young child, both dressed in traditional regional garments. The nurse’s apron is especially significant, bearing the symbolic Tree of Life motif in its center, a feature reserved exclusively for nurses. This apron falls from her shoulders and contrasts with the more common apron patterns, which were decorated around the edge. Her outfit includes a floral chintz summer bodice with a black velvet collar, a blue under-apron with a checked yoke, blue knitted stockings, and flat shoes with buckles. Her red-checked headscarf, or zondoek, is tied beneath her chin, further identifying her role.

The older child wears the unisex ceremonial costume assigned to Hindeloopen children aged between four months and six years. It includes a white lace-edged under-cap, a red satin or silk-embroidered outer cap, and a small zondoek tied under the chin. The outfit is constructed from checked Indian cotton, with separate cuffs of langet, and a wide ruffled collar made of fine cambric. A red silk ribbon around the waist would traditionally be used to tie the child into a high chair. She carries a painted school box, designed to hold chalks and pencils, a type still seen in Marken today.

Technique and condition:
Printed by the master chromolithographers Vincent, Brooks, Day & Son of London, the plate is an exceptional example of early 20th-century color lithography. The print is in excellent condition, with vivid color, crisp lines, and clean edges, making it ideal for framing or collection.

Framing tips:
A dark or neutral wood frame complements the deep reds and indigos in the clothing, while a cream or pale gray mat will allow the details of the Tree of Life apron and the floral motifs to shine. For a richer presentation, consider a double mat with a red inner border to reflect the nurse’s scarf and the child’s dress. Always use UV-protective glass to ensure long-term preservation.