Horace was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Horace?

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

Artwork

Horace

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Horace is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Horace is a fashion illustration created around 1955, attributed to Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the French fashion house Carven. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration depicts a formally dressed woman, standing with crossed legs, facing the viewer. Her attire—a long-sleeved black dress, white hat, and high pointed heels—conveys elegance, reflecting Carven's design aesthetic for petite women.

Technique & Style

While the specific medium of 'Horace' is listed as 'IMAGE' without further detail, the style bears resemblance to Carven's known fashion illustrations, suggesting a potentially traditional illustrative technique. The simple beige background emphasizes the subject's formal outfit.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1955 by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines and held a patent for a push-up bra. The piece is now housed at the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

'Horace' reflects the mid-20th-century fashion trends influenced by couturiers like Carven, who catered to petite women with lightweight, elegant designs. Its presence in an ethnography museum may highlight the cultural significance of fashion in mid-century European life.

Legacy

As part of Carven's oeuvre, 'Horace' contributes to the legacy of a designer who bridged haute couture with accessible fashion. However, specific details on its direct impact or exhibition history are not provided.