Artwork

Mandragore

Mandragore, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Mandragore, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Mandragore is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

The drawing 'Mandragore' is a fashion sketch created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. It is a simple yet confident representation of a woman in a loose coat and dark pants.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a straightforward outfit, with a small object in one hand. The simplicity of the design and the use of dark pants and low heels suggest a practical yet stylish ensemble.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by quick, confident lines and shading that highlights the folds in the fabric, indicating a spontaneous and expressive approach to fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven, the creator of 'Mandragore', founded the Carven fashion house in 1945 and was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines among Parisian couturiers. The piece is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

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.