Who painted Margeurite?

Margeurite was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Margeurite?

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

Artwork

Margeurite

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Margeurite is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 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 1956, *Marguerite* is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie-Louise Carven. The drawing belongs to the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and exemplifies Carven’s reputation for light, airy garments suited to petite figures.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration depicts a woman in a loose, knee‑length dress with a fitted bodice and a softly flared skirt. The garment’s dark blue ground is interspersed with green and white tones that suggest a watercolor wash, while a round hat and modest shoes complete the ensemble. A single hand rests on the hip, conveying relaxed poise.

Technique & Style

Carven rendered the design with swift, assured strokes that convey the texture of lace and gingham, materials she frequently employed. The sketch’s fluid line work and subtle tonal variations hint at movement and the delicate weight of the fabric, reflecting her preference for lightweight construction.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear lines alongside couture. *Marguerite* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection as part of its fashion archive, preserving an example of her mid‑century design aesthetic.

Context

The mid‑1950s marked a shift toward more accessible fashion, and Carven’s work embodied this trend by offering refined yet uncomplicated silhouettes for everyday wear. Her focus on petite clients and use of breathable fabrics positioned her among the pioneering couturiers who blurred the line between haute couture and prêt‑à‑porter.