Artwork
Pour la cour
Pour la cour 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 illustration depicts an elaborate evening garment. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and records a design for a formal robe intended for courtly occasions.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents a woman viewed from behind, wearing a floor‑length robe of emerald‑green velvet, its surface entirely covered with fine beads. A secondary, smaller sketch shows the same piece from the front, emphasizing its symmetrical cut and decorative scheme.
Technique & Style
Rendered in pencil, the artist combines precise line work with shading to convey the texture of velvet and the sparkle of beadwork. The garment’s wide, flowing sleeves, high neckline, and fitted waist are highlighted, while a note suggests an alternative version in leather featuring a simply beaded belt.
History & Provenance
The illustration was produced in the early 1920s, a period when European fashion designers often explored luxurious fabrics such as velvet for evening attire. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of its collection of costume drawings, reflecting the institution’s interest in material culture.
Context
During the 1920s, velvet regained popularity for formal wear due to its rich appearance and tactile quality. The design’s emphasis on full bead embroidery aligns with contemporary trends that favored opulent surface decoration for high‑society events.
Legacy
The sketch serves as a visual record of early‑20th‑century haute‑couture practices, illustrating how designers documented garment concepts before production. Its inclusion in a museum collection underscores the value placed on fashion illustration as a cultural artifact.
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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