Who painted Golconde?

Golconde was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Golconde?

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

Artwork

Golconde

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Golconde 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

Created circa 1956, *Golconde* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work belongs to the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and exemplifies Carven’s mid‑century approach to drawing, combining a stylised figure with a restrained colour palette.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays a woman in a sleeveless blue dress patterned with black floral motifs. She tilts her head back, raises her right hand, and stands in high heels, while her face remains unseen, suggesting an emphasis on form and attire rather than individual identity.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a simple, abstract manner, the drawing uses flat areas of colour against a uniform beige background. The minimal line work and lack of facial detail reflect Carven’s preference for clarity and elegance in presenting garments.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Golconde* was produced during the period when she was expanding her brand’s visual language, and it later entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible to the public.

Context

The illustration emerges from a post‑war era when French fashion was shifting toward more accessible, lightweight designs for a broader clientele, including petite women. Carven’s work reflects this transition, balancing haute‑couture sensibilities with the practicality of prêt‑à‑porter.