Artwork
Dragon
Dragon is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1952 by the fashion house Carven, the drawing titled Dragon is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Rendered as a monochrome image, it depicts a solitary female figure in a sharply tailored black pin‑striped suit, accompanied by coordinated accessories such as a hat, gloves, high heels, and a pearl necklace.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is presented in a poised stance, weight shifted onto one leg while the other is slightly bent, her left hand resting on her hip. A subtle smile and composed facial expression convey confidence and refined elegance, suggesting an exploration of mid‑century femininity and the poise associated with high fashion.
Technique & Style
Carven employs precise line work and careful shading to delineate the suit’s structure, including the front button row and the plunging neckline. The drawing’s attention to textile texture and the crispness of the accessories reflects a graphic, illustrative approach typical of early 1950s fashion illustration, emphasizing form over background.
History & Provenance
The work, dated circa 1952, entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Its inclusion in the museum’s collection underscores the institution’s interest in visual culture and fashion as components of ethnographic study.
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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