Klederdracht van Limburg, 1857 1857

This print, Klederdracht van Limburg, was created by Ruurt de Vries in 1857. It shows us traditional clothing from the Limburg province using lithography, a printmaking technique that allows for detailed and reproducible images. Lithography relies on the contrast between greasy and water-receptive areas on a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws with a greasy crayon, then the surface is treated so that ink adheres only to the drawing. It is an indirect printing method that demands meticulous skill. What makes this print compelling is how it captures the textiles and garments of the depicted people. Look closely at the textures of the fabrics, and the subtle gradations of color. The artist reproduced not only the visual appearance of the clothing but also the social context. Each element in the composition speaks volumes about labor, the local economy, and the cultural identity of the Limburg people. Paying attention to materials, making processes, and the broader social context encourages us to reflect on the value and meanings embedded in everyday objects.