Scarf
Madeleine Vionnet was a consummate technician, particularly known for her innovative use of the bias cut, mathematically precise construction, and use of geometric forms. Often interpreted in a rectangular form, Vionnet instead renders the outline of three stepped quadrilateral forms--2 squares and a central parallelogram--in a bias cut to give this scarf a highly unique shape. Its irregular form, with only one seam on each side, is an example of her economy of cut. The abstract shape, textural fagotting and bright color combination, reversed on the opposite side, give the piece a lively presence.
Artwork Details
- Title: Scarf
- Design House: House of Vionnet (French, active 1912–14; 1918–39)
- Designer: Madeleine Vionnet (French, Chilleurs-aux-Bois 1876–1975 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1935
- Culture: French
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Edward G. Sparrow, 1969
- Object Number: 2009.300.3865
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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