Artwork
Montcalm

Montcalm is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Montcalm, created circa 1962 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a simple black-and-white drawing depicting a woman from behind, showcasing a tailored outfit consisting of a short jacket, matching skirt, pointed shoes, and a hat.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a woman viewed from the back, emphasizing the design of the attire rather than the individual. The focus on clean lines and minimal details highlights Carven's design aesthetic, particularly her work with petite figures and emphasis on garment structure.
Technique & Style
Executed with quick, clean lines and devoid of extraneous details, the drawing reflects a straightforward, illustrative approach, typical of fashion design sketches, prioritizing the silhouette and overall look of the outfit.
History & Provenance
Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Montcalm is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Carven was a pioneer in Parisian prêt-à-porter and also known for inventing the push-up bra.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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