Artwork
'Corrida'
'Corrida' is a drawing by 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
Created in 1951 by the artist known as Carven, “Corrida” is an ink drawing held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.
Created in 1951 by the artist known as Carven, “Corrida” is an ink drawing held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary figure rendered in swift, gestural lines, set against a light ground. Its title, rendered in the artist’s hand, suggests a reference to the lively atmosphere of a bullfight, though the image itself remains a sketch rather than a polished composition.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a woman dressed in a long coat and hat, clutching a tall, slender object reminiscent of a cane or staff. Her posture and the angular cut of the coat convey a sense of movement, while the sparse setting leaves interpretation open, allowing viewers to consider themes of urban anonymity or the performative aspects suggested by the title.
Technique & Style
Carven employed black ink on a pale paper, allowing the medium’s fluidity to dominate the composition. The lines are loose, quick, and occasionally rough at the edges, emphasizing spontaneity over detail. Angular geometry in the coat contrasts with the softer, gestural strokes of the figure’s outline, creating a tension between structure and improvisation.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in the early 1950s, “Corrida” has remained within the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. The piece is catalogued under Carven’s oeuvre of bold, simplified drawings, reflecting the artist’s interest in rapid visual capture. No record indicates subsequent exhibition or sale, underscoring its status as a museum-held example of mid‑century sketch practice.
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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