Who painted Andromaque?

Andromaque was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Andromaque?

Andromaque is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Andromaque

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Andromaque 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

Andromaque is a fashion illustration created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the French fashion house Carven, around 1956. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration portrays a woman in a gray, floral-patterned dress with a V-neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and a full, knee-length skirt. Her attire, including white gloves and high heels, conveys elegance. The subject's pose, with hands clasped and head slightly turned, suggests a sense of quiet composure.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style consistent with mid-20th-century fashion illustrations, Andromaque features a simple, light beige background that emphasizes the detailed, realistic rendering of the dress and the model's accessories. The overall aesthetic aligns with Carven's design philosophy, which emphasized lightweight fabrics and petite-friendly designs.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines, Andromaque is housed in the Museum of Ethnography, though its inclusion in an ethnography collection is notable given its subject matter as a Western fashion piece.

Context

Andromaque reflects the fashion trends of the late 1950s, with its emphasis on feminine, elegant attire. Carven's work catered to petite women, making her designs accessible to a broader audience. The piece's presence in a museum collection highlights the growing recognition of fashion as an art form during this period.