A badinage of a young couple in a Betzinger costume near a lilac bush, gouache on paper, 37,5 x 26,5 cm, mounted, framed, (BH)

We are grateful to the „Deutsche Trachtenverband“ (German costume association) and Jürgen Sturma, keeper od local history in Minden, for the scientific support.

Literature:
Albert Kretschmer, Das große Buch der Volkstrachten, Reprint, Eltville/Rhein 1977, pp. 99ff, Pls 54 and 55. Carmen Anton, Die Betzinger Tracht, in: Alltagskultur im Südwesten (www. leo-bw. de/themenmodul/all tagskultur-im-suedwesten/kleidung/trachten-im-sudwesten/die-betzinger-tracht-wurttemberg,6.10.21).

Betzingen is a district of Reutlingen in Baden-Württemberg. The Betzingen costume is associated with the region and stands out through its striking colorful design. Typical for the Betzingen costume are the white linen shirts for men as well as women with long, voluminous sleeves which narrow at the wrist. The women wear a blue pleated skirt with a gold colored border at the hem, a primarily white apron, a red laced bodice, a little purple cap, white stockings and flat black shoes. The typical costume of the men comprises light-colored leather trousers or later white linen trousers, a red velvet waistcoat made of cloth with twelve silver buttons and a black velvet waistcoat, a long neckerchief, a rounded leather cap, white stockings and black buckled shoes. The color details may vary depending on the occasion, age and status of the wearer. The artist of the present gouache depicted the costumes with a certain degree of freedom. However, according to the colors of the costume the couple seems to be yet unmarried which is also suggested by the playful interaction of the two with each other.