Who painted Cacahuète?

Cacahuète was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Cacahuète?

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

Artwork

Cacahuète

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Cacahuète is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 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 1959 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Cacahuète* is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a coordinated dress and coat. The image, held by the Museum of Ethnography, exemplifies Carven’s focus on lightweight, elegant garments suited to petite figures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a short‑haired woman holding the collar of a flared coat over a long‑sleeved dress. A secondary sketch of the coat’s back appears beside the figure, emphasizing the garment’s construction and silhouette rather than the sitter’s identity.

Technique & Style

Executed in clean, minimal lines, the illustration reduces facial features to suggestion and omits decorative detail. This restrained approach highlights the shape and structure of the clothing, a common practice in mid‑century fashion sketches intended for internal design review.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous house in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Cacahuète* reflects that period of transition, and the work now resides in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, documenting the designer’s contribution to post‑war French fashion.

Context

The late 1950s saw a shift toward accessible, mass‑produced clothing in Paris. Carven’s emphasis on lightweight fabrics and petite proportions aligned with emerging consumer demands, and illustrations like *Cacahuète* served as visual tools for presenting new collections to buyers and press.