Artwork
Pampilles
Pampilles is a drawing by Count of St. Germain. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1963, “Pampilles” is a drawing attributed to the Count of St. Germain. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑twentieth‑century illustration. Its title appears at the top of the sheet, while the artist’s signature, “St. Germain,” is placed in the lower corner.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a solitary woman dressed in a plain black dress, accentuated by a patterned cummerbund that wraps around her waist. Her hair is pulled back neatly, and she wears a modest hat, suggesting a fashionably restrained appearance. The composition captures a moment of poised elegance, inviting viewers to consider contemporary notions of femininity and attire.
Technique & Style
Rendered with bold, confident lines, the drawing relies on stark black strokes against a light background to define the figure’s contours. Shading is employed sparingly, emphasizing shape rather than texture. The overall execution feels swift and spontaneous, reminiscent of a fashion sketchbook entry, where gesture and silhouette take precedence over detailed rendering.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Count of St. Germain, the piece dates to the early 1960s, a period marked by experimentation in graphic illustration. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition (or donation) sometime after its creation, where it now serves as a reference point for the intersection of fashion illustration and ethnographic interest.
Artist & collection
Artist
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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