Artwork
'Manille'
'Manille' 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 “Manille” is attributed to the French fashion illustrator 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 portrays a woman dressed in a striking purple coat complemented by a matching hat, alongside black trousers and boots. The composition emphasizes a sense of refined poise, with the figure’s posture and attire suggesting contemporary urban elegance.
Technique & Style
Carven employs confident, sweeping lines that define the silhouette, while a palette of vivid hues—particularly the deep purple—adds visual impact. Attention to sartorial details, such as the coat’s pockets and the hat’s streamlined shape, demonstrates a meticulous approach to rendering fashion elements.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation, joining a broader assemblage of ethnographic and cultural artifacts. Its presence in the museum underscores the institution’s interest in documenting visual culture alongside traditional ethnographic objects.
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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