Artwork
'Femina'
'Femina' 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, "Femina" is a fashion illustration by the designer Carven, presently in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The drawing portrays a woman wearing a long, strapless gown with a fitted bodice and a wide, flowing skirt rendered in light gray tones.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown with arms slightly extended, suggesting movement in the fabric, and a small bouquet of flowers is pinned near her chest. The composition emphasizes the silhouette of the dress, highlighting its elegant, airy quality.
Technique & Style
Carven employed loose, sketchy lines that convey a rapid, exploratory approach rather than a polished final rendering. Subtle darker brushstrokes add texture to the gray fabric, while the overall execution reflects a design studio’s preliminary study.
History & Provenance
The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings after its creation, though details of its acquisition are not recorded in the available sources. Its presence in an ethnographic context underscores the museum’s interest in fashion as cultural expression.
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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