Who painted Madame Récamier?

Madame Récamier was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1957.

Where can I see Madame Récamier?

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

Artwork

Madame Récamier

Marie-Louise Carven , 1957

Madame Récamier 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. Created circa 1957, this drawing by Marie‑Louise Carven—better known for her fashion house—captures a solitary figure from behind.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1957, this drawing by Marie‑Louise Carven—better known for her fashion house—captures a solitary figure from behind. The work bears the title *Madonna Récamier*, invoking the name of the celebrated early‑19th‑century socialite, though the image functions as a study rather than a literal portrait.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a woman seated, her back turned toward the viewer, clothed in a long coat with a wide collar and a floral motif across the rear. She holds a small handbag, and a low‑slung hat obscures her hair, suggesting a moment of private poise rather than public display.

Technique & Style

Carven’s hand moves with confidence, employing swift, assured lines that define the garment’s silhouette. Loose shading indicates the folds of the coat, while the overall approach privileges overall shape and movement over intricate detail, reflecting the designer’s penchant for clean, modern aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Born Carmen de Tommaso in 1909, Carven launched her eponymous fashion house in 1945, gaining recognition for designs suited to petite figures and for early ready‑to‑wear collections. The drawing, produced in the late 1950s, aligns with her broader visual language, though it remains a lesser‑known artifact within her artistic output.