Who painted Katoussil?

Katoussil was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Katoussil?

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

Artwork

Katoussil

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Katoussil 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

Katoussil is a fashion design sketch created by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the French fashion house Carven, circa 1959. The work is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a long, green evening gown with a fitted bodice, wide skirt, beaded neckline, red accents, gloves, and a simple necklace. Her hairstyle is neatly upswept.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose, quick style, the drawing features bold black outlines, watercolor shading, and expressive brushstrokes, reflecting a preliminary or conceptual design phase.

History & Provenance

Created around 1959 by Marie-Louise Carven, the sketch bears the enigmatic markings '183' and 'Katoussil'. Its origins and the meaning of these notations are unclear.

Context

As a pioneering Parisian couturier who introduced prêt-à-porter lines, Carven's work, including Katoussil, represents the evolution of accessible, high-fashion designs for petite women, emphasizing lightweight fabrics.