Artwork

Anguille

Anguille, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1952
Anguille, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1952

Anguille is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Anguille is a drawing created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1952. It is held in the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman wearing a black dress with a loose, flowing skirt, paired with black gloves and heels. The dress's shape, suggested by splashes of blue and gray paint, may be alluded to by the title 'Anguille,' meaning 'eel' in French.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by loose, sketchy lines, giving it a spontaneous, informal feel. The use of simple, bold colors and loose brushstrokes creates a sense of fluidity.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was among the first Parisian couturiers to introduce a prêt-à-porter line, reflecting her innovative approach to fashion.

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.