Artwork
Vert-bois
Vert-bois 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
Created around 1958, Vert‑bois is a drawing attributed to the French fashion house 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 presents a solitary figure in a modest, everyday outfit. The attire consists of a long‑sleeved, button‑down top paired with a straight skirt, rendered in a casual stance with one foot slightly forward. The face is minimally indicated, directing attention to the clothing itself, while the handwritten label in the corner reads “Vert‑bois,” possibly referencing the garment’s hue or design.
Technique & Style
Executed with quick, confident lines, the drawing employs a loose, sketch‑like quality typical of fashion illustrations of the period. The rough yet assured strokes convey the structure of the garments without detailed shading, emphasizing form over texture.
History & Provenance
Vert‑bois dates to the late 1950s, a time when Carven was known for accessible, elegant ready‑to‑wear. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition (or donation) and now serves as a visual document of post‑war French women’s clothing.
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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