Artwork
Figure vue de dos en robe de mariée et voile brodés, Madeleine & Madeleine, vers 1924
Figure vue de dos en robe de mariée et voile brodés, Madeleine & Madeleine, vers 1924 is an unspecified painting by the Art Nouveau artist Madeleine & Madeleine. It dates from 1924 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 1924 by the collaborative duo known as Madeleine & Madeleine, this image presents a solitary figure observed from behind. The subject is dressed in an elaborate wedding gown, complete with a high neckline, lace‑trimmed sleeves featuring floral motifs, and a lengthy veil that trails down the back. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The veil, a traditional symbol of modesty and transition, drapes across the figure’s shoulders, suggesting both concealment and revelation.
The composition centers on a bride in the moments before or after a ceremony, emphasizing the ritual attire rather than personal identity. The veil, a traditional symbol of modesty and transition, drapes across the figure’s shoulders, suggesting both concealment and revelation. The floral lace and flowing fabric evoke themes of fertility, celebration, and the cultural significance of matrimonial dress.
Technique & Style
Executed with swift, gestural brushwork, the drawing conveys a sense of immediacy and unfinished quality. The artist prioritizes the play of light on folds and the delicate texture of the veil, using loose strokes to suggest volume rather than delineate precise contours. This sketch‑like approach highlights the materiality of the garments while maintaining an overall impressionistic tone.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the mid‑1920s, a period when the Madeleine & Madeleine partnership explored ethnographic subjects through a modernist lens. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of a broader acquisition of early twentieth‑century works that document ceremonial dress across cultures. The museum continues to display the image as an example of the intersection between artistic practice and cultural observation.
Artist & collection
Artist
These artists left a small but striking set of 1924 drawings and designs that mix fashion and line.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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