Artwork

Jonquille

Jonquille, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956
Jonquille, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1956

Jonquille 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

Jonquille, created circa 1956, is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie-Louise Carven, founder of her eponymous fashion house in 1945. The work is characterized by loose pencil strokes and features a woman in a fitted, checkered outfit.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a short-sleeved, collared shirt and matching gray plaid skirt, cinched at the waist. The outfit's simplicity and tailored fit reflect Carven's design ethos, catering to petite figures.

Technique & Style

Executed in light pencil strokes with occasional stronger lines for detail, the sketch conveys a sense of spontaneity, suggesting a quick study rather than a finished portrait. The title 'Jonquille' is inscribed in the top-right corner.

History & Provenance

Jonquille is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, highlighting its recognized value within the realm of fashion history and design.

Context

Created during the rise of Parisian ready-to-wear, which Carven supported, the sketch exemplifies her contribution to accessible, lightweight fashion, often incorporating materials like lace and gingham.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

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.