Ficelle was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Ficelle?

Ficelle is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Ficelle

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Ficelle 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

Created circa 1953 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Ficelle* is an image that captures a solitary female figure in a streamlined, fashion‑forward pose.

Created circa 1953 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Ficelle* is an image that captures a solitary female figure in a streamlined, fashion‑forward pose. The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and exemplifies Carven’s interest in light, elegant clothing for women of modest stature. Its composition foregrounds the subject against a neutral beige field, emphasizing the garment’s silhouette.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown in a long coat and hat, one hand placed on the hip while the other grasps a small red object. Though her face remains indistinct, the stance conveys confidence and poise, suggesting a self‑assured modern woman poised as if for a fashion photograph. The red accent hints at a focal point of personal or stylistic significance.

Technique & Style

Carven employs bold, simplified lines and a restrained palette, limiting detail to essential contours. The minimal background allows the clothing and posture to dominate the visual field. This pared‑down approach reflects a graphic aesthetic common in mid‑century fashion illustration, where clarity of form supersedes elaborate rendering.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house quickly became known for lightweight fabrics and ready‑to‑wear collections in Paris. *Ficelle* was produced during the early 1950s, a period when Carven was pioneering prêt‑à‑porter for a broader clientele. The image entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains part of the institution’s documentation of fashion visual culture.