Orgueil was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Orgueil?

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

Artwork

Orgueil

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Orgueil 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, *Orgueil* is a graphic representation attributed to French fashion designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and exemplifies Carven’s interest in accessible, ready‑to‑wear fashion. Its title, the French word for “pride,” frames the visual narrative of a confidently posed figure.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman dressed in a vivid blue coat equipped with oversized pockets, clutching a small brown handbag. Her hair is cut short and tidy, and she wears plain black shoes. The composition suggests a modern, self‑assured femininity, echoing the title’s reference to pride through attire and stance.

Technique & Style

Rendered with flat, unmodulated colour fields, the drawing relies on clean, bold lines without shading. The stark contrast between the bright coat and the neutral background creates a graphic clarity typical of mid‑century fashion illustration, emphasizing form and colour over detailed texture.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the early couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Orgueil* emerged during this period of expanding mass‑market fashion. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains accessible for study of post‑war French design.