Artwork
Gueule de loup
Gueule de loup is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1963 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 1963, Gueule de loup is a drawing attributed to the French fashion house 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 dark, simple garment with a fitted waist and a short hem. Her hair is neatly arranged, and she rests one hand on her hip, conveying a poised, confident stance. The French title, translating to “wolf’s mouth,” may allude to the sharpness of the dress’s silhouette or the assertive attitude suggested by the pose.
Technique & Style
Executed in quick, fluid lines, the sketch emphasizes gesture over detail. The drawing’s loose handling gives the impression of a rapid fashion study, with only a subtle pattern hinted at near the lower edge of the dress. This approach reflects the practice of sketching garments for immediate visual communication.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the early 1960s, a period when Carven was known for its elegant, ready‑to‑wear designs. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it now serves as a reference for the intersection of fashion and visual culture.
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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