Artwork

Watteau

Watteau, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1953
Watteau, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1953

Watteau is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

The 'Watteau' sketch, created around 1953 by Marie-Louise Carven, is a fashion study featuring a woman in a dark, flowing dress. The drawing is characterized by loose, confident lines and quick strokes.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a high-waisted dress with puffed sleeves, her hair pulled back, and one arm raised while the other rests on her hip. The pose and attire evoke a sense of movement and elegance.

Technique & Style

The artwork is executed in a spontaneous and expressive style, with loose lines and quick strokes conveying a sense of energy and fluidity. The confident handling suggests a rapid, observational drawing.

History & Provenance

The 'Watteau' sketch is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Marie-Louise Carven, the artist, founded the Carven fashion house in 1945 and was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines.

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.