David was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see David?

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

Artwork

David

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

David is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Marie-Louise Carven's *David* (c. 1958) is a fashion illustration housed in the Museum of Ethnography's collection. The piece showcases a woman in a brown and white plaid ensemble, complete with a jacket, skirt, hat, and high heels, accompanied by a rear view of the jacket.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, dressed in tailored, petite-friendly attire, embodies Carven's design philosophy. The outfit's details, such as the push-up bra underlying the fitted jacket, reflect her innovative contributions to fashion, including early ready-to-wear designs and patented lingerie innovations.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple yet elegant style, the drawing features clean lines and muted colors. This aesthetic aligns with the refined, understated approach characteristic of 1950s fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Created around 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven (born Carmen de Tommaso in 1909), the founder of a Parisian fashion house established in 1945. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

*David* situates itself within the post-war fashion landscape, where designers like Carven catered to the needs of petite women and pioneered accessible, high-quality ready-to-wear clothing.