Who painted Papillon?

Papillon was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Papillon?

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

Artwork

Papillon

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Papillon 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

Papillon is a fashion design sketch created by French couturier Marie-Louise Carven around 1958. The piece showcases a simple, green, fitted-bodice dress with a flared skirt, short sleeves, and a neckline bow, rendered in loose, quick lines.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Papillon is a feminine dress design, potentially inspired by the butterfly motif suggested by its French title, 'Papillon', which may allude to the dress's light, airy quality or the flared skirt's shape.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, rapid sketch lines, Papillon reflects Carven's emphasis on simplicity and her signature use of delicate materials, implied here by the overall design aesthetic, though the specific medium of the sketch itself is not detailed.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 1950s by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Papillon is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection, highlighting its recognized value within the context of fashion history.

Context

Papillon emerges from Carven's pioneering work in Parisian couture, notably as one of the first designers to offer prêt-à-porter lines, making high-fashion more accessible. The design caters to petite women, a demographic often focused on by Carven.