Artwork

Jocrisse

Jocrisse, by Carven, 1957
Jocrisse, by Carven, 1957

Jocrisse is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Jocrisse, a drawing attributed to the French fashion house Carven and dated to around 1957, is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work consists of a loose sketch that captures two figures dressed in contemporary attire, rendered with minimal line work and faint washes of colour.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a pair of individuals in modern clothing. The figure on the left is clad in a striped suit featuring orange and gray tones, while the companion on the right wears an orange top paired with a short, button‑down skirt. A folded jacket lies between them, suggesting a moment of casual exchange or preparation.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid, uneven strokes, the drawing conveys the immediacy of an initial concept rather than a polished illustration. Light washes of colour provide only a hint of hue, and the absence of shading or intricate detail emphasizes the sketch‑like quality, reminiscent of early fashion house studies.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1957, Jocrisse entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, reflecting the institution’s interest in documenting mid‑century fashion visual culture. The work’s attribution to Carven aligns it with the brand’s post‑war expansion and its engagement with modern, ready‑to‑wear aesthetics.

Context

The mid‑1950s marked a shift in fashion illustration toward more spontaneous, gestural renderings, moving away from highly finished studio drawings. Jocrisse exemplifies this trend, offering insight into how designers like Carven captured the spirit of everyday dress and the evolving silhouette of women’s clothing during that era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carven

These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.