Artwork

Epervier

Epervier, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Epervier, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Epervier 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

Created circa 1958 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Epervier* is an illustration that depicts a woman in a coordinated blue‑and‑white plaid ensemble. The image, part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, captures a side view of the figure, her face omitted, with a poised stance that emphasizes the cut of the clothing.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on a fashionable female silhouette, highlighting the interplay of pattern and form. The plaid jacket and matching skirt convey a refined, contemporary style, while the simplified pose and lack of facial detail draw attention to the garment’s structure rather than personal identity.

Technique & Style

Rendered in line work that accentuates the crispness of the plaid, the illustration balances detail and abstraction. The artist employs a limited palette and clean contours, allowing the pattern to dominate the composition against an unadorned background, reinforcing the garment’s visual impact.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts within haute couture. *Epervier* reflects her focus on lightweight fabrics and designs suited to petite figures. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible for study.

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.