Who painted Onduleuse?

Onduleuse was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1952.

Where can I see Onduleuse?

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

Artwork

Onduleuse

Marie-Louise Carven , 1952

Onduleuse is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Onduleuse is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1952. The work depicts a woman in a sleek, modern black ensemble consisting of a fitted jacket and a flared dress, conveyed through simple yet strong lines. The piece is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Onduleuse is a confident woman posing in a black outfit. The name 'Onduleuse' suggests a reference to the wavy shape of the dress, highlighting Carven's emphasis on silhouette. The focus on clothing over facial or background details underscores the design's prominence.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by quick, purposeful execution, prioritizing the modernity and polish of the design. Simple, strong lines define the composition, reflecting Carven's penchant for clean, modernist aesthetics in her work.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1952 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Onduleuse is notable for being part of a collection that likely showcased Carven's innovative approach to prêt-à-porter and designs catering to petite women.

Context

Onduleuse emerges from Carven's pioneering work in prêt-à-porter and her focus on petite women's fashion, positioning the piece within the broader context of mid-20th-century fashion's shift towards more accessible, modern designs.