Artwork
Mithila
Mithila is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1959 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 1959, the drawing titled Mithila is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. It presents a solitary female figure rendered in profile, dressed in a black, knee‑length garment with a flared skirt, complemented by a white hat and gloves.
Subject & Meaning
The work functions as a fashion illustration, focusing on the elegance of the attire and the poised gesture of the woman, whose left hand rests thoughtfully on her chin, suggesting contemplation or a moment of poised observation.
Technique & Style
Carven employs a combination of line work and subtle shading to convey the texture of the fabrics and the three‑dimensional form of the figure. The light beige background provides a neutral field that emphasizes the contrast between the dark clothing and the white accessories.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the French fashion house Carven, the piece dates to the late 1950s, a period when the brand was known for refined, modern silhouettes. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation, where it remains on display as an example of mid‑century fashion illustration.
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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