Murillo was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Murillo?

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

Artwork

Murillo

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Murillo is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Murillo, a 1958 work by Marie-Louise Carven, is housed in the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Created by the French fashion designer known for catering to petite figures and innovative textile use, this piece showcases her pioneering fashion approach.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a woman in a simple gray dress and low heels, depicted in a relaxed, sideways pose with neatly pulled-back hair. A smaller, unfolded dress pattern accompanies the figure, highlighting the designer’s focus on garment design.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose lines and light shading, the sketch conveys a sense of rapid creation. The informal drawing style contrasts with the precise detail of the included pattern, reflecting Carven’s dual role as artist and practical designer.

History & Provenance

Part of Carven’s output from her eponymous fashion house (established in 1945), Murillo demonstrates her early adoption of ready-to-wear concepts and auxiliary designs, such as the patented push-up bra.

Context

Emerging in the late 1950s, Murillo sits within the post-war shift towards more accessible, modern fashion. Carven’s designs, including this work, catered to a broader audience seeking stylish, petite-friendly clothing.

Legacy

Murillo contributes to the legacy of Marie-Louise Carven as a fashion innovator. Her influence extends through her designs’ emphasis on accessibility, petite sizing, and the integration of fashion with broader product design principles.