Who painted Outremer?

Outremer was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1953.

Where can I see Outremer?

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

Artwork

Outremer

Marie-Louise Carven , 1953

Outremer is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Created by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven circa 1953, *Outremer* is a sketch that captures a woman clad in a long, blue‑and‑white checked coat. The drawing, held by the Museum of Ethnography, exemplifies Carven’s mid‑century approach to fashion, emphasizing practicality and lightness while retaining a refined aesthetic.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is rendered in a simple, functional outfit: a coat with large pockets, a modest collar, and unadorned shoes. She holds a small object in her left hand, suggesting everyday activity. The title *Outremer*—French for “overseas” and also a term for deep blue—may allude to the coat’s hue, evoking maritime or exotic connotations.

Technique & Style

Carven’s drawing employs swift, confident strokes, with bold lines that outline the garment without elaborate detailing. The sketchy quality conveys immediacy, reflecting the designer’s habit of quick visual studies. The limited palette and absence of shading focus attention on silhouette and proportion rather than texture.

History & Provenance

Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and became known for catering to petite women and for pioneering ready‑to‑wear collections. *Outremer* was produced during the early 1950s, a period when she was expanding her brand beyond couture. The work entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains as documentation of her design ethos.