Artwork
Le début
Le début 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 fashion illustration is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. The work portrays a woman in a flowing black dress accented with red detailing, rendered in a side profile that emphasizes the garment’s silhouette.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown in an elegant pose, with her hair gathered into an updo and her right arm extended forward while the left arm bends at the elbow. The composition highlights the contrast between the dark satin fabric and the vivid red stripe and sash that run along the dress, suggesting a focus on the interplay of color and form in early twentieth‑century attire.
Technique & Style
Executed as a line drawing with subtle shading, the illustration includes a small swatch of black fabric and loose threads in the upper left corner, indicating a study of material texture. The light beige background provides a neutral field that allows the dress’s drapery and the red accents to stand out without distraction.
History & Provenance
The piece has been held by the Museum of Ethnography since its acquisition, where it contributes to the institution’s broader representation of fashion and textile design from the 1920s. Its attribution to Madeleine & Madeleine reflects the collaborative nature of many design studios of the period.
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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