Artwork

Lancelot

Lancelot, by Madeleine & Madeleine, 1924
Lancelot, by Madeleine & Madeleine, 1924

Lancelot is a drawing by 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 in 1924 by the collaborative duo Madeleine & Madeleine, this drawing is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. It records a figure wearing a mid‑length, dark‑blue crêpe‑satin dress, accompanied by a swatch of the same fabric. The work is presented as a flat image, emphasizing the garment’s form and material.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman shown in profile, her head turned slightly left and her right hand lifted to her face. A white scarf encircles her neck, adding a contrasting accent to the deep‑blue attire. The pose and accessories suggest a study of feminine poise and the relationship between body and clothing.

Technique & Style

Rendered with careful line work, the drawing highlights the drape, folds, and texture of the crêpe‑satin fabric. The artist employs a muted, light‑brown background that allows the dark blue dress and the fabric swatch to stand out. The emphasis on surface detail reflects an interest in materiality typical of early‑20th‑century fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings after its creation, though the exact acquisition date is not recorded in the available data. Its presence in an ethnographic context underscores the museum’s broader interest in textile traditions and the visual documentation of dress.

Artist & collection

Artist

Madeleine & Madeleine

These artists left a small but striking set of 1924 drawings and designs that mix fashion and line.