Artwork

Chagall

Chagall, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Chagall, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Chagall is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

This sketch, titled 'Chagall,' is a fashion drawing created by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer, around 1958. It is a working drawing featuring a woman in a black dress.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman wearing a sleek black dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt. The identity of the woman is unclear, as 'Chagall' may refer to the artist's inspiration or a model, rather than the subject herself.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by loose, quick lines and flat colors, suggesting a spontaneous and practical approach to fashion design. A smaller sketch of the dress's back view is included in the corner, further indicating its working nature.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Marie-Louise Carven, the artist, founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was known for innovating in fashion, including introducing prêt-à-porter lines and designing for petite women.

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.