Who painted Nathalie?

Nathalie was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Nathalie?

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

Artwork

Nathalie

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Nathalie 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

Nathalie is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1958. The drawing depicts a woman in a long, flowing black coat, characterized by vertical lines and a light, airy appearance.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Nathalie is a woman wearing a design intended for petite frames, reflecting Carven's focus on catering to this demographic. The coat's design emphasizes movement and shape through simple, expressive lines.

Technique & Style

The sketch features loose, quick lines with accompanying side and back views of the coat. This approach highlights Carven's design process and emphasis on capturing the garment's fluidity.

History & Provenance

Nathalie is part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, though its original context as a working design sketch for Carven's house (founded in 1945) underscores its practical origins in the designer's workflow.

Context

Created during the rise of ready-to-wear, Nathalie represents Carven's contribution to this trend, alongside her use of lightweight fabrics (implied by the coat's airy depiction), which were central to her design aesthetic.