Artwork

'Arlequin'

'Arlequin', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
'Arlequin', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

'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

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

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.