Artwork
Coeur d'or
Coeur d'or 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
Created in 1963 by the fashion house Carven, “Coeur d’or” is an illustration held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary female figure rendered in a graphic style that emphasizes silhouette and decorative detail, inviting close inspection of the attire and posture.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman in a long, black dress with a strapless bodice and a tiered skirt, accented by subtle gold motifs. She wears white gloves, black shoes, and her hair is arranged in an updo. The pose—one hand on the hip, the other relaxed—conveys confidence, while a faint smile suggests understated self‑assurance.
Technique & Style
Carven employs bold, clean lines and restrained shading to define the figure’s form and clothing. The limited tonal range focuses attention on the contrast between the dark garment and the luminous gold detailing, creating a graphic clarity that highlights the elegance of the ensemble without relying on elaborate background elements.
History & Provenance
The illustration was produced during the early 1960s, a period when Carven was known for translating runway designs into accessible visual formats. After its creation, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains part of the institution’s documentation 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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