Who painted Cerf-volant?

Cerf-volant was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Cerf-volant?

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

Artwork

Cerf-volant

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Cerf-volant is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. Created circa 1955, *Cerf‑volant* presents a solitary female figure rendered against a muted beige backdrop.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1955, *Cerf‑volant* presents a solitary female figure rendered against a muted beige backdrop. She is dressed in a coordinated blue ensemble—a light‑blue jacket and matching skirt—paired with high heels, and her hair is arranged in a tidy updo. In her right hand she holds a small, paper‑like object that suggests a kite or paper airplane, adding a playful element to the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on a poised woman whose confident stance and calm expression convey self‑assurance. The juxtaposition of the elegant attire with the whimsical handheld object hints at a balance between refined fashion and youthful leisure, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of sophistication and light‑heartedness in mid‑century femininity.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a flat, graphic manner, the image relies on a limited palette of blues and neutral tones. The clean lines and lack of detailed background emphasize the figure’s silhouette, while the smooth brushwork on the fabric suggests a focus on texture and form rather than realistic rendering, aligning with the streamlined aesthetic of 1950s fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

*Cerf‑volant* was produced by French fashion designer Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the Carven house in 1945 and an early pioneer of ready‑to‑wear and innovative lingerie design. The piece entered the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings, reflecting Carven’s influence beyond couture into visual culture.

Context

The mid‑1950s marked a period of expanding ready‑to‑wear markets in Paris, with designers like Carven bridging haute couture and everyday dress. This image reflects that shift, presenting a stylish yet accessible figure whose attire embodies the lightweight fabrics and petite silhouettes for which Carven was celebrated.