Artwork

Dampierre

Dampierre, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Dampierre, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Dampierre 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

Dampierre, created circa 1958 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion illustration featuring a woman in a red coat and white skirt. The piece is characterized by its simple, elegant style with clean lines and minimal shading.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Dampierre is a woman with short hair, depicted in a relaxed, slightly bent pose, highlighting Carven's focus on designs for petite women. The bold red coat and white skirt showcase her use of lightweight fabrics and contrasting colors.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a straightforward yet refined manner, Dampierre exhibits clean lines, minimal shading, and a striking red and white color contrast, reflective of Carven's aesthetic in fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Dampierre is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

As a pioneer among Parisian couturiers in introducing prêt-à-porter lines, Carven's work, including Dampierre, reflects the evolving landscape of mid-20th-century French fashion, catering to a broader, petite clientele.

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.