Who painted Becassine?

Becassine was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1960.

Where can I see Becassine?

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

Artwork

Becassine

Marie-Louise Carven , 1960

Becassine is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Becassine is a fashion design study or illustration created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven, around 1960. The work showcases a woman's outfit, characteristic of Carven's aesthetic.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman dressed in a black and white plaid, knee-length dress with short sleeves, paired with high heels. Her confident pose and subtle smile convey elegance and sophistication, reflecting Carven's focus on empowering petite women through her designs.

Technique & Style

Rendered in black and white, the drawing features bold lines and simple shading, highlighting the outfit's details. The style aligns with Carven's emphasis on lightweight, accessible fashion, translated here into a clean, illustrative form.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1960 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the House of Carven (established in 1945), this piece is associated with her pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and designs catering to petite women.

Context

Becassine reflects the early 1960s fashion landscape, where prêt-à-porter was gaining prominence. Carven's approach to designing for petite women also situates the work within the era's evolving fashion demographics.