Artwork
Bleu de Chine

Bleu de Chine is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Bleu de Chine, created circa 1952 by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven, is a sketch depicting a woman in a flowing blue dress. The piece is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a confident woman in a blue dress with a floral-patterned bodice and wide, wavy skirt. Her pose, with one hand on her hip, conveys self-assurance. The title references the dress's deep blue color, possibly alluding to a specific dye.
Technique & Style
The sketch features loose, quick lines, imparting a lively, unfinished quality. The style prioritizes capturing shapes and movement over intricate detail, resulting in a simple yet expressive drawing.
History & Provenance
Created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), around 1952. Notably, Carven was among the first Parisian couturiers to offer prêt-à-porter lines. The work is now held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Museum
Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris
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