Artwork
Dame blanche

Dame blanche is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Dame blanche is a 1956 work depicting a woman in a white outfit. Created by Marie-Louise Carven, a French fashion designer, it is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The work shows a woman wearing a long white coat, hat, gloves, and high heels, with an updo and a blue earring. Her face is obscured. The elegant, sophisticated style suggests a focus on the woman's attire and accessories rather than her identity.
Technique & Style
The painting features clean lines, simple shapes, and a light beige background, contributing to its refined aesthetic. The artist's use of white for the outfit creates a striking visual effect.
History & Provenance
Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, created Dame blanche in 1956. The work is now held at the Museum of Ethnography.
Context
Carven was known for designing for petite women and using lightweight fabrics. She was among the first couturiers to introduce a prêt-à-porter line, reflecting her influence on mid-20th-century fashion.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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