Who painted Lapis-lazulis?

Lapis-lazulis was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Lapis-lazulis?

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

Artwork

Lapis-lazulis

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Lapis-lazulis 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

Created circa 1959 by French couturier Marie-Louise Carven, *Lapis-lazulis* is a drawing that records a fashion illustration rather than a finished garment. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and exemplifies Carven’s interest in lightweight, elegant clothing for petite figures.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a woman turned away, clothed in a long, blue dress adorned with a delicate floral motif. Her bobbed hair and white gloves suggest a refined, mid‑century aesthetic, while a secondary, minimally rendered white dress appears beside her, offering a visual counterpoint that highlights the complexity of the blue design.

Technique & Style

Carven employs fine line work to delineate the flowing silhouette and intricate pattern of the blue dress, set against an off‑white background that emphasizes the garment’s form. The contrast between the detailed primary figure and the sketchy secondary dress reflects a study‑like approach common in mid‑20th‑century fashion illustration.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house quickly became known for introducing ready‑to‑wear lines to the Parisian market. *Lapis-lazulis* was produced during a period when Carven was expanding her brand’s visual identity. The drawing entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection at an unspecified date, where it remains accessible for research.

Context

The illustration aligns with Carven’s broader reputation for designing lightweight fabrics suited to smaller frames, a niche she cultivated in post‑war France. By presenting both an elaborate blue dress and a simplified white sketch, the work reflects the designer’s dual focus on couture detail and the practicality of ready‑to‑wear fashion.