Chinois was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1952.

Where can I see Chinois?

Chinois is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Chinois

Marie-Louise Carven , 1952

Chinois is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Chinois, created circa 1952, is a fashion illustration attributed to Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The piece primarily focuses on a woman's outfit, characterized by a striped, zipped jacket and matching knee-length skirt.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman, likely representing Carven's target demographic: petite women. Her pose, with one hand on her hip and the other extended, conveys confidence. The outfit's prominence suggests the illustration's purpose was to showcase Carven's design.

Technique & Style

Executed in a monochromatic range of grays and blacks, the illustration emphasizes simplicity and elegance. The striped pattern on the jacket and skirt creates a dynamic sense of movement, drawing the viewer's eye.

History & Provenance

Created around 1952 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, though its original purpose was likely promotional or design-related.

Context

Reflects early 1950s fashion trends and Carven's approach to designing for petite women using lightweight fabrics, though the illustration's medium (implied to be visual, possibly a painting or drawing) and lack of color simplify these aspects.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography, Chinois contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century fashion design, particularly the evolution of prêt-à-porter and designs catering to specific body types.