Artwork

Lierre

Lierre, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
Lierre, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

Lierre is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

The use of a light background and the focus on the woman's clothing also suggest that the painting may be a fashion illustration.

The painting depicts a woman wearing a green dress with a floral pattern, standing with her hands on her hips. The dress has a V-neckline and a full skirt, and the woman is wearing black gloves and heels. The background of the painting is a light beige color.

The woman's pose and the style of the dress suggest that the painting may be from the mid-20th century. The use of a light background and the focus on the woman's clothing also suggest that the painting may be a fashion illustration.

The painting is a charming depiction of a woman in a stylish dress. To learn more about the artist's work, you can explore the art of Marie-Louise Carven.

Overview

Lierre is a fashion illustration created by Marie-Louise Carven (née Carmen de Tommaso) in 1951, now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. The work showcases a woman in a green, floral-patterned dress with a V-neckline and full skirt, set against a light beige background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman posed with confidence (hands on hips), highlighting the dress’s design. The piece likely promotes Carven’s fashion house, emphasizing her style tailored for petite figures and innovative, comfortable clothing.

Technique & Style

While the medium is listed as 'IMAGE', visual cues suggest a painting, possibly with mixed media (e.g., watercolor, ink for details). The style is reminiscent of mid-20th-century fashion illustrations, with meticulous attention to the garment’s details and a simple, contrasting background to focus attention on the attire.

History & Provenance

Created in 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of her eponymous fashion house (established in 1945). The piece is now held in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, though the acquisition details are not specified here.

Context

Lierre reflects Carven’s pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and her focus on petite figures, as well as her use of lightweight materials (though not visibly evident in this static image). It may also allude to her innovative undergarment designs, like the patented push-up bra.

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.