Artwork
Trottin
Trottin is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Trottin, attributed to the fashion house Carven and dated to around 1958, is a two‑part sketch preserved in the Museum of Ethnography.
Trottin, attributed to the fashion house Carven and dated to around 1958, is a two‑part sketch preserved in the Museum of Ethnography. The drawing captures a woman in a dark, loosely fitting dress featuring a subtle checkered motif, complemented by a matching jacket. The composition presents a side view of the figure in motion and a frontal study of the same ensemble, offering a concise visual study of the garment’s silhouette.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on a solitary female figure, her hair neatly pulled back, as she steps forward with one foot leading. The juxtaposition of the profile and frontal views serves to emphasize the drape and structure of the attire, suggesting an interest in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of mid‑century women’s fashion.
Technique & Style
Carven employs swift, assured lines to convey movement and the texture of the fabric. Light shading delineates the checkered pattern, creating a sense of depth without resorting to heavy detail. The sketch’s economy of line and restrained cross‑hatching reflect a design‑oriented approach typical of fashion illustration in the late 1950s.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1958, Trottin entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains on display. The piece exemplifies the museum’s broader interest in documenting cultural expressions of dress, situating a French fashion illustration within a context of ethnographic study of clothing practices.
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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