Abricot was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Abricot?

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

Artwork

Abricot

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Abricot 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

Created circa 1953, *Abricot* is an image attributed to French fashion designer Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous house in 1945. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and presents a stylised portrait of a woman in vivid orange attire, rendered with restrained detail.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown from a side angle, back turned toward the viewer, her right leg subtly flexed and left hand clutching a small object. The composition suggests a moment of poised preparation, perhaps for an evening outing, conveyed through the contrast between the bright orange clothing and the muted beige background.

Technique & Style

Carven employs clean, linear forms and a limited palette, allowing the orange coat and hat to dominate the visual field. The simplicity of the rendering emphasizes silhouette over texture, aligning with her reputation for elegant, understated design.

History & Provenance

The image entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings after its acquisition in the mid‑20th century, reflecting the institution’s interest in fashion as cultural artifact. Its dating to the early 1950s places it within Carven’s early ready‑to‑wear period.

Context

During the post‑war era, Carven was noted for catering to petite women and for integrating delicate fabrics such as lace into her collections. *Abricot* mirrors this focus on refined, accessible fashion, illustrating the shift toward mass‑produced yet stylish garments in the early 1950s.