Artwork

Délices

Délices, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1953
Délices, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1953

Délices is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Délices, created circa 1953, is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. It is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing portrays an elegant woman with dark hair, wearing a long, white, draped gown with a low neckline, long green elbow gloves, and dangling earrings, set against a solid beige background. The depiction conveys refinement and sophistication.

Technique & Style

While specific medium details are not provided, the work reflects Carven's emphasis on lightweight, feminine designs, often tailored for petite women, suggesting a corresponding delicacy in the drawing's execution.

History & Provenance

Created around 1953 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of Carven (established in 1945), a pioneering Parisian couturier in introducing prêt-à-porter lines. The work is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

Délices situates itself within the post-war Parisian fashion scene, where Carven's designs catered to a broader, more modern clientele seeking accessible yet chic clothing.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, Délices contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion, highlighting Carven's contribution to the evolution of couture and prêt-à-porter.

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.