Arête was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1952.

Where can I see Arête?

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

Artwork

Arête

Marie-Louise Carven , 1952

Arête 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

Arête is a 1952 fashion sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The piece is a simple line drawing depicting a woman in a long, flowing dress with a high waist and loose, draped skirt, accompanied by a wide-brimmed hat. It is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Arête is a woman dressed in a envisioned Carven design, characterized by a high-waisted, flowing gown. The name 'Arête' may allude to the dress's sharp, clean lines, contrasting with the overall loose, draped silhouette. The figure's relaxed pose suggests an emphasis on comfort and natural movement.

Technique & Style

Executed in simple lines and subtle shading, Arête conveys fabric folds and movement with minimalism. The quick, sketchy quality implies it might be an initial design concept rather than a finished artwork, reflecting Carven's approach to lightweight, effortless fashion.

History & Provenance

Created in 1952 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering couturier known for catering to petite women and using lightweight fabrics, Arête is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was an early adopter of prêt-à-porter lines, expanding accessibility to her designs.

Artist & collection

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.

Museum

Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

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