Who painted Tric-trac?

Tric-trac was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Tric-trac?

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

Artwork

Tric-trac

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Tric-trac is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Tric-trac, created circa 1955 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion sketch featuring a woman in a fitted, crisscross-patterned dress. Characterized by simple yet precise lines and minimal flat colors, the work showcases Carven's design aesthetic.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Tric-trac is a woman dressed in a tailored, flared dress with a geometric pattern, accompanied by a headband. The design reflects Carven's focus on petite women and her innovative use of lightweight fabrics, implied through the suggested texture of the woven fabric.

Technique & Style

The sketch employs clean, sharp lines to define the garment's folds and shape. The use of minimal colors for the face and shoes contrasts with the bold, geometric pattern of the dress, highlighting the design's emphasis on textile and structure.

History & Provenance

Created around 1955 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Tric-trac is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was a pioneer among Parisian couturiers for introducing prêt-à-porter lines.

Context

Tric-trac situates itself within the mid-20th-century shift towards accessible, ready-to-wear fashion. Carven's design catered to petite women, a niche market at the time, and showcased her penchant for lightweight materials and geometric patterns.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography, Tric-trac contributes to the historical record of mid-century fashion trends and the evolution of prêt-à-porter. It highlights Carven's influence on making high-fashion accessible and her attention to detail in textile design.