Artwork

Amphore

Amphore, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Amphore, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Amphore is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Amphore, created circa 1956 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a loose, confident sketch of a woman in a flowing, light blue-gray dress with short sleeves and a fitted waist. The piece captures the subject in mid-motion, conveying a sense of dynamism.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman with her hair pulled back and one arm raised, appears to be dancing or balancing. The title 'Amphore' may allude to the dress's shape or serve as a personal reference by the designer.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, loose strokes, the sketch emphasizes the fluid drape of the fabric. The overall feel suggests a preliminary concept rather than a finished work, highlighting Carven's spontaneous design approach.

History & Provenance

Part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, 'Amphore' was created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (1945) and a pioneer in prêt-à-porter and innovative lingerie design.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.