Artwork
'Chauve-Souris'
'Chauve-Souris' is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Chauve-Souris is a drawing created around 1949 by the designer Carven, now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a woman in a dynamically posed, flowing dress with exaggerated, wing-like sleeves. One arm is raised, and the other grasps a small, unidentified object, conveying a sense of movement and energy.
Technique & Style
Characterized by bold, loose lines, the sketch exudes a spontaneous, experimental quality, typical of a fashion design sketch rather than a finished artwork. The boldness of the lines and the dramatic volume of the dress reflect Carven's signature stylish approach.
History & Provenance
Signed simply as 'Carven', the work is attributed to the designer by that name. It is currently housed at the Museum of Ethnography, though specific details of its acquisition are not provided here.
Context
While the exact context of its creation is unclear, 'Chauve-Souris' aligns with the post-WWII era's fashion trends, which often featured dramatic silhouettes and expressive designs.
Legacy
As a sketch, 'Chauve-Souris' offers insight into Carven's design process and aesthetic preferences during the late 1940s, reflecting the era's fashion sensibilities.
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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