Chinon was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Chinon?

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

Artwork

Chinon

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Chinon 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

Chinon, created around 1958 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a visual representation of a woman's garment, part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The piece reflects Carven's design aesthetic, known for catering to petite women with lightweight fabrics.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Chinon is a woman dressed in a blue, patterned dress with a white collar and full skirt, conveying confidence and poise through her posture and expression. The design embodies Carven's focus on petite women's fashion.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple, elegant style with clean lines and minimal details, Chinon appears to be a drawing or sketch, potentially created with ink or pencil. Bold lines and simple shapes imbue the work with a sense of energy.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of her eponymous fashion house in 1945, Chinon is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Carven was noted for early prêt-à-porter collections and use of materials like lace and gingham.

Context

Chinon reflects the mid-20th-century shift towards accessible, ready-to-wear fashion, as exemplified by Carven's contributions to prêt-à-porter. The piece also touches on the era's feminine ideals, as suggested by the depicted attire and pose.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, Chinon contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century fashion design, particularly the evolution of prêt-à-porter and the influence of designers like Carven on women's attire.