Artwork
'Murcie'
'Murcie' 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 in 1951, “Murcie” is a drawing attributed to the French fashion house Carven. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Executed as a swift, assured sketch, it captures a moment of mid‑century street style, and the artist’s signature appears as the title rather than a personal mark.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays a woman in motion, wearing a large hat and a long green coat. She carries a round purse, a loosely draped scarf rests on her shoulders, and a simple dress is accented by a modest floral motif near the hem. The composition suggests a fleeting glimpse of contemporary fashion rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Rendered with confident, fluid lines, the drawing conveys immediacy and spontaneity. The limited palette and minimal detailing focus attention on silhouette and accessories, characteristic of Carven’s emphasis on elegance through restraint. The artist’s hand appears assured, emphasizing gesture over precise rendering.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the early 1950s, a period when Carven was establishing its reputation for refined, accessible couture. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains catalogued as an example of fashion illustration from the era.
Context
Carven, founded by Carmen de Tommasi, played a significant role in shaping post‑war French fashion, offering modern, wearable designs. “Murcie” reflects the brand’s focus on everyday sophistication, illustrating how a single outfit could convey both practicality and style in the early 1950s.
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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