Lisbeth was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1957.

Where can I see Lisbeth?

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

Artwork

Lisbeth

Marie-Louise Carven , 1957

Lisbeth is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1957 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 1957 by French designer Marie-Louise Carven, *Lisbeth* is a modestly sized drawing held by the Museum of Ethnography. The image presents a solitary female figure turned away, dressed in a long, soft‑green coat, turban, and high heels, with her hands clasped behind her back. A smaller, simplified sketch of a coat hangs to the right of the main figure.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a poised, anonymous woman, emphasizing posture and attire rather than narrative detail. The turban and high heels suggest a fashionable, perhaps cosmopolitan identity, while the restrained palette and clean lines convey an understated elegance that reflects Carven’s emphasis on refined simplicity.

Technique & Style

Rendered with delicate line work and muted coloration, the drawing relies on minimal shading to define form. The soft green of the coat contrasts subtly with an off‑white background, while the ancillary sketch is reduced to basic outlines, reinforcing the overall aesthetic of clarity and restraint.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louille Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, was a pioneer of ready‑to‑wear and innovative lingerie design. *Lisbeth* was produced during the late 1950s, a period when Carven was expanding her reputation beyond couture. The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains on display.

Context

The drawing aligns with Carven’s broader design philosophy of creating lightweight, elegant garments for petite women. Its focus on a single coat and the inclusion of a simplified garment study echo her practice of developing streamlined silhouettes that could transition from haute couture to accessible fashion.