Ibis was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Ibis?

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

Artwork

Ibis

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Ibis 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, *Ibis* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The drawing presents a woman in a light pink, short‑sleeved dress cinched at the waist, with dark shoes and hair pulled back. A second sketch of the same garment hangs on a hanger, while the title “Ibis” appears in the corner, hinting at an internal reference.

Subject & Meaning

The composition juxtaposes a fully rendered figure with a detached design study, emphasizing the relationship between finished attire and its conceptual development. The casual pose—hand resting on the head—suggests a moment of contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the garment’s practicality and aesthetic appeal within everyday dress.

Technique & Style

Carven employs loose, rapid lines characteristic of mid‑century fashion sketches, allowing the form of the dress to emerge with minimal detail. The use of soft pink against a stark outline highlights the lightweight fabrics she favored, such as lace and gingham, while the sketch on the hanger underscores the iterative nature of design work.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous fashion house in 1945, was noted for creating ready‑to‑wear collections for petite women and for pioneering early prêt‑à‑porter in Paris. *Ibis* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s broader exploration of clothing as cultural artifact.