Artwork
Gentiane
Gentiane 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
Gentiane is a drawing executed around 1951 by the artist known as Carven. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century fashion illustration.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a woman dressed in a loose, long‑sleeved garment with a belted waist. The attire features a striped, woven texture and a slightly flared skirt, complemented by a dark hat. She holds a small object that may be a bag or a book, suggesting everyday activity rather than formal portraiture.
Technique & Style
Carven employs swift, sketchy lines to outline the figure, using cross‑hatching to convey the folds and texture of the fabric. The shading is minimal yet effective, emphasizing the material’s striped pattern without rendering excessive detail, characteristic of fashion sketches of the period.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1951, Gentiane entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. The title, placed in the lower corner, likely refers to the name of the dress design illustrated, linking the work to contemporary textile naming practices.
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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