Who painted Cassandre?

Cassandre was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Cassandre?

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

Artwork

Cassandre

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Cassandre is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

The drawing titled *Cassandre* is a mid‑1950s fashion study attributed to French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. Rendered in loose, confident lines, it depicts a woman in profile, dressed in a short, floral‑patterned jacket and matching skirt, with low heels and hair pulled back. The figure holds the jacket closed with one hand, emphasizing the silhouette and textile motifs rather than fine detail.

Subject & Meaning

The image functions as a quick visual exploration of a ready‑to‑wear ensemble, highlighting the interplay of pattern and cut. By focusing on the garment’s shape and the model’s poised stance, Carven underscores the accessibility and elegance of her designs for petite women, a recurring theme in her work.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid brushstrokes, the sketch balances spontaneity with clarity. The artist employs fluid lines to suggest the flow of fabric, while the floral motif on the jacket is rendered with minimal detail, allowing the overall composition to convey movement and texture without exhaustive rendering.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1956, the drawing belongs to the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Carven, who founded her eponymous house in 1945, was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a prêt‑à‑porter line and to patent a push‑up bra, marking her influence on mid‑century women’s fashion.