Artwork

'Signeaux'

'Signeaux', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949
'Signeaux', by Marie-Louise Carven, 1949

'Signeaux' 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

'Signeaux' is a fashion sketch created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1949. It is a characteristic example of her work from the early years of her fashion house, established in 1945.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a long, black dress with lace-like details and a high neckline. The loose, quick drawing style suggests a focus on capturing the essence of the design rather than creating a finished portrait.

Technique & Style

The drawing features bold black lines on a light background, with a loose and expressive style typical of fashion sketches. The use of line work creates a sense of texture and movement in the depicted dress.

History & Provenance

The sketch is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography, reflecting Carven's influence on Parisian fashion, particularly in ready-to-wear and designs suited to petite figures.

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.