Artwork
Pluviose - Poule mouillée

Pluviose - Poule mouillée is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. Created circa 1967, *Pluviose – Poule mouillée* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1967, *Pluviose – Poule mouillée* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work is held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and exemplifies Carven’s focus on refined, lightweight clothing for petite women.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents a solitary female figure in profile, dressed in a long, dark brown coat and a matching hat. Her posture—head slightly bowed, right hand in a coat pocket, left arm relaxed—conveys a quiet, understated poise, suggesting a moment of private contemplation rather than overt display.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a simple line drawing against a light beige background, the image relies on minimal shading and a restrained palette. The contrast between the dark garments and the pale field highlights the silhouette, while the clean lines reflect Carven’s aesthetic of elegance through simplicity.
History & Provenance
Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear concepts, even patenting a push‑up bra. This illustration, produced in the late 1960s, entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of its broader collection of fashion artifacts.
Context
The piece emerges from a period when Carven was expanding her brand beyond haute couture, integrating practical, everyday wear into her designs. The illustration’s modest attire aligns with her reputation for using light fabrics such as lace and gingham, emphasizing comfort without sacrificing style.
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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