Artwork

Jeux de dame

Jeux de dame, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
Jeux de dame, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

Jeux de dame 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

Jeux de dame, created circa 1951 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a watercolor drawing depicting a woman in a distinctive outfit. The piece is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman dressed in a black top and a yellow skirt with black spots, posed in a graceful, dynamic stance. Her attire reflects Carven's design ethos, known for catering to petite women with lightweight, elegant fabrics.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the drawing features clean lines, bold color choices, and a soft, dreamy effect inherent to the medium. A brown border frames the white background, with the title 'Jeux de dame' inscribed in black ink at the top-right corner.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), this work exemplifies her pioneering approach, including the early adoption of prêt-à-porter lines among Parisian couturiers.

Context

While the Museum of Ethnography's collection context might suggest a focus on cultural or anthropological artifacts, 'Jeux de dame' highlights the museum's broader scope, potentially intersecting fashion as a form of cultural expression.

Legacy

As part of Carven's oeuvre, 'Jeux de dame' contributes to the legacy of a designer who influenced accessible, high-quality fashion for a broader audience, particularly petite women, in post-war Europe.

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.