Artwork

'Coq de Roche'

'Coq de Roche', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'Coq de Roche', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'Coq de Roche' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

'Coq de Roche' is a drawing created by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer, around 1949. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman in a black dress with a plaid vest, holding a cigarette. Her hair is swept back, and the background is minimalist, with loose lines and a splash of pink near her head.

Technique & Style

The style is characterized by loose, fast lines, suggesting a quick sketch rather than a detailed portrait. The signature 'Coq de Roche' is visible, matching the title of the work.

Context

Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to introduce a prêt-à-porter line, known for working with lightweight fabrics 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.