Artwork
'Duchesse de Bordeaux'
'Duchesse de Bordeaux' 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 around 1951, the drawing titled “Duchesse de Bordeaux” is attributed to the French fashion house Carven. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and is presented as a sketch rather than a polished illustration.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman dressed in an elaborate evening gown. The garment features a draped bodice with a deep V‑neck, wide sleeves, and a skirt that expands outward dramatically. The figure’s hair is gathered back, and she stands with one hand on her hip, conveying a poised confidence.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, sketchy lines, the drawing suggests a rapid study, emphasizing the silhouette and flow of the clothing rather than detailed rendering. The gestural quality highlights the designer’s interest in the overall form and movement of the dress.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the early 1950s, a period when Carven was known for elegant, ready‑to‑wear designs. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains as a representative 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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