Artwork

Minotaure

Minotaure, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Minotaure, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Minotaure 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

Minotaure, created circa 1956 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a design piece from her eponymous fashion house, known for catering to petite women with lightweight fabrics. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays a woman embodying elegance and sophistication. Her poised stance, with clasped hands and high heels, conveys refinement. The subject's short white hair and belt-accented, sleeveless dark dress against a beige background emphasize her dignified demeanor.

Technique & Style

The simplicity of the design allows focus on the subject's pose and expression, characteristic of Carven's emphasis on understated yet effective fashion for petite frames. The use of a limited color palette (dark dress, beige background) highlights the model's attire and posture.

History & Provenance

Created around 1956 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Minotaure reflects the designer's pioneering work in prêt-à-porter among Parisian couturiers. It is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

Minotaure represents 1950s Parisian fashion trends, blending haute couture principles with the emerging prêt-à-porter market. Carven's design catered to a specific demographic, petite women, distinguishing her approach within the fashion landscape of the time.

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.