Artwork

Menuet

Menuet, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Menuet, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Menuet 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

Menuet is a sketch created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1956. It is a drawing of a woman in a wedding dress, captured in a moment of movement.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a bride in a flowing white wedding dress and veil, her arms outstretched as if dancing. The title 'Menuet' suggests a connection to the minuet dance, implying the bride is rehearsing a elegant gesture.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by loose, quick lines and soft folds in the dress, conveying a sense of lightness and airiness. The simple crown on the woman's head adds to the overall feeling of elegance.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded the fashion house Carven in 1945 and was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines among Parisian couturiers. Menuet is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

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.