Who painted Pélican?

Pélican was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Pélican?

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

Artwork

Pélican

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Pélican 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

Pélican, created circa 1958 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a drawing of a woman in profile, showcasing a stylish outfit against a light beige background. Characterized by clean lines and minimal shading, the piece embodies understated sophistication.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman in a long yellow coat and matching hat, conveys elegance through poised gestures (right arm bent, legs crossed at the ankles) and attire, reflecting Carven's focus on designing for petite women with an emphasis on lightweight, refined styles.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple yet elegant style, Pélican features clean lines and minimal shading, suggesting a focus on silhouette and form. Note: The mentioned techniques of cross-hatching and stippling are not visibly evident in the described visual aspects of Pélican.

History & Provenance

Created around 1958 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Pélican is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, though its inclusion in an ethnography museum is unusual given its subject matter.

Context

Pélican reflects Carven's pioneering work in Parisian couture, especially her introduction of prêt-à-porter lines, catering to a broader audience with her petite-friendly, lightweight fabric designs.

Legacy

While Pélican specifically may not be widely recognized beyond its collection placement, it represents Carven's enduring influence on accessible, elegant fashion design for women of smaller stature.