Did anyone for Christmas ask for a jersey with a painting from the 1600s?

While we often complain about the standardisation of football jerseys, which are too tied to formats and templates that have been abused over time, FC Dordrecht has decided to change course with a very special jersey. The Dutch side have chosen to honour one of the most famous names in the city south of Rotterdam, the 17th century painter Aelbert Cuyp, by having one of his seascapes printed across the entire surface of the third kit for the 2023-24 season. This is certainly not a new technique, but Dordrecht's sponsor, the US company Capelli Sport, wanted to create a work of art by choosing "View of Dordrecht",one of the most famous paintings from the Golden Age of Dutch painting.

The painting, which shows the picturesque view of Dordrecht from a boat on the Oude Maas around 1647, captures the characteristic golden hour in Cuyp's style, a brilliant evening light that bathes the city in a warm glow. In this way, the team's players and fans can represent not only the club but also the city itself through the art of one of its most famous citizens. The jerseys are available on the Dutch club's website and in the shop, where a limited edition can also be purchased.