'Rubis' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1949.

Where can I see 'Rubis'?

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

Artwork

'Rubis'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1949

'Rubis' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Rubis, created circa 1949 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a detailed drawing depicting a woman in a meticulously crafted dark red dress. Part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, it exemplifies Carven’s innovative fashion approach of the late 1940s.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman facing away, showcases the dress’s design: a low neckline, short sleeves, and a full, knee-length skirt adorned with intricate beading or embroidery around the waist and bodice. The pose, with one hand on a railing and the other near her hip, conveys elegance.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by its delicate detail, emphasizing the dress’s intricate elements and the woman’s refined posture. Executed against a plain off-white background, the focus remains on the subject’s attire and demeanor, reflecting Carven’s attention to detail in her designs.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (1945) and a pioneer in ready-to-wear and innovative lingerie (notably the patented push-up bra), *Rubis* is now housed in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

Emerging in the late 1940s, *Rubis* sits within the post-war fashion landscape, where designers like Carven were redefining women’s wear with practical yet elegant designs, catering to a broader audience through ready-to-wear lines.

Legacy

While specific impact of *Rubis* on broader fashion trends is not detailed, it represents Carven’s contribution to late 1940s fashion innovation, highlighting her emphasis on petite women’s silhouettes and intricate, lightweight fabric designs.