Artwork
Epervier

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
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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