Artwork
Pétula
Pétula is a drawing by Carven. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1964, Pétula is a drawing attributed to the French fashion house Carven and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The piece captures a single figure in a stylised, informal manner, presenting a snapshot of mid‑century leisure fashion.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a woman in a vivid turquoise swimsuit patterned with red floral motifs, accessorised with oversized round sunglasses. Her pose—one arm lifted behind her head—conveys a relaxed, confident attitude, suggesting a moment of carefree summer enjoyment. The title, placed at the top, may refer to the model’s nickname or a design label.
Technique & Style
Executed with swift, gestural lines, the drawing resembles a fashion sketch rather than a finished illustration. The loose strokes give the figure a sense of movement, while the minimal shading focuses attention on colour blocks and pattern. A smaller ancillary sketch in the corner repeats the same subject in a seated position, reinforcing the study‑like quality of the work.
History & Provenance
Pétula entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings sometime after its creation, though precise acquisition details remain undocumented. Its attribution to Carven aligns it with the brand’s mid‑1960s emphasis on vibrant swimwear and playful accessories, reflecting the era’s commercial and artistic intersections.
Artist & collection
Artist
These delicate ink-on-paper drawings capture the quiet poetry of everyday things: pinecones, reeds, apples.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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