Artwork
Robe bleu turquoise
Robe bleu turquoise is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
The image depicts a solitary female figure seen from behind, dressed in a vivid turquoise garment that dominates the composition against an unadorned backdrop.
Robe bleu turquoise is an illustration dating from around 1959, attributed to the French fashion house Carven. The image depicts a solitary female figure seen from behind, dressed in a vivid turquoise garment that dominates the composition against an unadorned backdrop. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century fashion illustration.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is presented in a poised stance, one leg bearing weight while the other is bent, suggesting movement or a moment of transition. The simple, short‑sleeved bodice and the full, flared skirt emphasize the silhouette of the dress rather than the wearer, directing attention to the garment’s colour and form as the primary visual subject.
Technique & Style
Rendered with confident, bold lines, the drawing employs minimal shading to indicate the folds of the fabric, creating a sense of volume without detailed texture. The stark contrast between the bright turquoise hue and the neutral background highlights the dress, while the clean, graphic quality reflects the streamlined aesthetic typical of 1950s fashion illustration.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1959, the piece reflects Carven’s design language during a period when the house was known for accessible, elegant clothing. The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it contributes to the institution’s broader representation of fashion as cultural expression.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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