Artwork
Jeux de dame

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
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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