Artwork
'Arlequin'

'Arlequin' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Arlequin is a fashion illustration created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven, around 1951. The work showcases Carven's distinctive style as a couturière and illustrator.
Subject & Meaning
The illustration depicts a woman wearing a harlequin-patterned dress, characterized by a black and tan diamond motif. The stylized figure embodies Carven's playful yet refined approach to fashion.
Technique & Style
The drawing features a range of techniques, including cross-hatching and stippling, which contribute to its detailed and textured appearance. The use of a plain off-white background allows the figure to take center stage.
History & Provenance
Arlequin is held at the Museum of Ethnography, although its presence there may reflect a broader curatorial interest rather than a direct connection to ethnographic themes. Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945, pioneering prêt-à-porter collections in Paris.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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