Who painted 'Hermine'?

'Hermine' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1949.

Where can I see 'Hermine'?

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

Artwork

'Hermine'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1949

'Hermine' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. Created circa 1949, *Hermine* is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1949, *Hermine* is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The drawing, held by the Museum of Ethnography, depicts two figures in bridal attire, rendered with a light, gestural hand that emphasizes silhouette over ornamentation. The artist’s signature, the name Hermine, appears in the lower corner, suggesting either the title of the design or the model’s identity.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a pair of brides dressed in long, flowing gowns with full skirts and modestly high necklines. One figure steadies the trailing train of her dress, a gesture that underscores the ceremonial gravity of marriage while also highlighting the structural elegance of Carven’s designs for petite women.

Technique & Style

Carven employs broad, fluid brushstrokes and simplified line work, favoring a restrained palette of soft, muted tones. This approach reduces the garments to their essential forms, allowing the viewer to focus on the overall architecture of the dresses rather than intricate textile details.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, later securing a patent for a push‑up bra. *Hermine* reflects her early post‑war output and entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection as part of its holdings on mid‑century fashion illustration.