Artwork
Caresse
Caresse is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Caresse, executed in 1963 by the designer Carven, is a black‑and‑white drawing held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The composition depicts a solitary female figure dressed in a sleek black outfit, captured in a poised stance that emphasizes both elegance and restraint.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is presented in a formal black dress with a modest hem, complemented by a pearl necklace and earrings. Her hair is arranged in an updo, and she places her right hand on her hip while the left leg is gently bent, suggesting a quiet confidence and refined poise.
Technique & Style
Rendered entirely in monochrome, the drawing relies on delicate shading to model the folds of the dress and the contours of the body. The subtle gradations give the lightweight fabric a sense of movement, while the crisp lines of the accessories and footwear provide contrast within the overall composition.
History & Provenance
Created by Carven in the early 1960s, Caresse entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. The work remains part of the museum’s permanent collection, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century fashion illustration.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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