Artwork

Lybie

Lybie, by Madeleine & Madeleine, 1924
Lybie, by Madeleine & Madeleine, 1924

Lybie 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. The work, dated 1924, is a fashion illustration rendered as an image and preserved in the Museum of Ethnography.

About this work

Overview

The composition rests against a muted beige backdrop, with the subject’s left hand poised on her chin and the right hand relaxed at her side.

The work, dated 1924, is a fashion illustration rendered as an image and preserved in the Museum of Ethnography. It depicts a solitary female figure dressed in an orange garment accented with black detailing, complemented by a white hat, white gloves, and pointed black shoes. The composition rests against a muted beige backdrop, with the subject’s left hand poised on her chin and the right hand relaxed at her side.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration presents a stylised portrait of a woman embodying early‑twentieth‑century attire. The high‑collared orange dress, trimmed with black ribbons, and the coordinated accessories convey a sense of refined elegance typical of the period’s sartorial trends, while the contemplative pose suggests poise and self‑awareness.

Technique & Style

Executed as a line drawing, the image relies on clear contours and selective shading to define form. The limited palette—primarily orange, black, white, and a neutral background—highlights the garment’s structure and decorative elements, reflecting the graphic precision characteristic of 1920s fashion plates.

History & Provenance

Created by the collaborative duo known as Madeleine & Madeleine in 1924, the illustration entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains accessible for study. Its inclusion underscores the institution’s interest in documenting visual culture and material dress of the early modern era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Madeleine & Madeleine

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