Anneaux was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1952.

Where can I see Anneaux?

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

Artwork

Anneaux

Marie-Louise Carven , 1952

Anneaux 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

Created circa 1952 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Anneaux* is a black‑ink drawing that depicts a woman in a coordinated, long‑striped dress and jacket. The composition is rendered with bold, uncomplicated lines on a light surface, emphasizing the silhouette and the rhythmic pattern of the garment. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings.

Subject & Meaning

The figure presents a poised, modern woman whose left hand rests on her hip while the right arm hangs relaxed, suggesting confidence and ease. The striped attire, rendered with swift parallel strokes, underscores the designer’s interest in lightweight, wearable fashion and reflects Carven’s focus on creating stylish yet accessible clothing for petite clients.

Technique & Style

Carven employs a stark contrast of dark ink against a pale background, using quick, parallel lines to suggest the fabric’s stripes.

Carven employs a stark contrast of dark ink against a pale background, using quick, parallel lines to suggest the fabric’s stripes. The drawing’s loose, gestural quality conveys movement and a contemporary sensibility, while the minimal cross‑hatching adds subtle texture without overwhelming the composition. This approach aligns with mid‑century illustration practices that favored clarity and immediacy.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous fashion house in 1945, was among the early Parisian couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Anneaux* was produced during the early 1950s, a period when Carven was expanding her brand beyond haute couture. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible for study of fashion illustration.