Cordoba was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1964.

Where can I see Cordoba?

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

Artwork

Cordoba

Marie-Louise Carven , 1964

Cordoba is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1964, *Cordoba* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. Executed as a quick, light‑handed sketch, the drawing depicts a sideways‑facing figure in a sleeveless black dress accented by a green chest panel. Carven signed the work in the lower corner, indicating the title.

Subject & Meaning

The image functions as a study of a garment rather than a portrait, emphasizing the silhouette and color contrast of the dress. The loose hair and simple pose suggest a focus on the clothing’s flow and proportion, aligning with Carven’s reputation for designing lightweight, elegant attire for petite women.

Technique & Style

Rendered with swift, almost doodle‑like lines, the illustration employs minimal detail to convey form. The use of a limited palette—black dress with a single green panel—highlights the designer’s interest in subtle accentuation within a streamlined silhouette, characteristic of mid‑century French ready‑to‑wear sketches.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the early Parisian couturiers to launch a prêt‑à‑porter line. *Cordoba* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings on fashion and cultural artifacts.