Artwork

Guépard

Guépard, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1959
Guépard, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1959

Guépard is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Guépard is a fashion illustration created around 1959 by Marie-Louise Carven, a French designer known for her work with lightweight fabrics and petite women's clothing.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration depicts a woman wearing a bright yellow coat with a high collar and matching accessories. The coat's sleek design is emphasized by a secondary sketch showing its shape from the back. The title 'Guépard,' meaning cheetah in French, likely references the coat's streamlined appearance.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by clean, bold lines and a focus on showcasing the coat's design. A smaller inset sketch provides a rear view, highlighting the garment's shape and silhouette.

History & Provenance

Guépard is held in the Museum of Ethnography. Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to introduce a prêt-à-porter line.

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.