Caprine was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1952.

Where can I see Caprine?

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

Artwork

Caprine

Marie-Louise Carven , 1952

Caprine 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 in 1952 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Caprine* is a pen‑and‑ink sketch that forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Created in 1952 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Caprine* is a pen‑and‑ink sketch that forms part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The drawing records a woman in a loose black dress accented with bright striped sleeves, leaning against a railing while wearing a white headband and modest shoes. The title, handwritten at the top, suggests a nickname for either the sitter or the garment.

Subject & Meaning

The figure appears to be a fashion study rather than a narrative portrait, emphasizing the silhouette and movement of a garment intended for petite women—a demographic Carven famously catered to. The casual pose, with the model resting on a railing, highlights the fluidity of the dress and the contrast between the dark fabric and the vivid sleeve stripes, underscoring Carven’s interest in playful detailing.

Technique & Style

Carven’s drawing employs swift, confident lines that capture the garment’s form with minimal shading, focusing on contour rather than texture. Subtle tonal shading on the arms and skirt suggests volume, while the bold stripe motifs are rendered with clear, unbroken strokes. The overall effect is that of a rapid study, prioritizing design observation over finished illustration.

History & Provenance

The sketch was produced shortly after Carven launched one of the first Parisian ready‑to‑wear lines, reflecting her shift toward accessible fashion. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of a mid‑20th‑century acquisition of fashion documentation, preserving an example of Carven’s early design process and her contribution to post‑war French couture.

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

Continue through works from the same source collection.