Who painted 'Ondine'?

'Ondine' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1949.

Where can I see 'Ondine'?

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

Artwork

'Ondine'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1949

'Ondine' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. Created in 1949, *Ondine* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1949, *Ondine* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The image depicts a woman in a dark blue, striped dress, captured mid‑movement with her torso turned to the right and her gaze directed leftward. The figure’s bobbed hair, high‑heeled shoes and the billowing skirt convey a poised, refined presence.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a solitary female figure whose elegant posture and flowing attire suggest both grace and a subtle theatricality. The contrast between the dark fabric and the white wave‑like stripes may allude to water motifs, reinforcing the title’s reference to a water spirit while emphasizing movement and lightness.

Technique & Style

Carven employs a clear, graphic line to outline the silhouette, while the use of color is restrained to a limited palette of deep blue and white. The rendering of the dress’s fabric suggests a lightweight material caught by a breeze, highlighting the designer’s interest in fluid, airy constructions characteristic of her couture work.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, who founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945, was among the early Parisian couturiers to venture into ready‑to‑wear collections. *Ondine* reflects this innovative spirit. The illustration is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is preserved as an example of mid‑20th‑century fashion illustration.

Artist & collection

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.

Museum

Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

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