Papirus was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Papirus?

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

Artwork

Papirus

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Papirus is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Papirus is a black and white drawing created around 1959 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the French fashion house Carven. The work depicts a woman in a knee-length dress, accompanied by a smaller rendition of the same dress beside her.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a stylishly dressed woman, shown with a hat, gloves, and her left hand in her pocket, conveying a sense of elegance and poise. The inclusion of a smaller dress version may illustrate the design or its potential variations.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white with subtle shading, the drawing emphasizes simplicity and understated elegance. The woman’s body is rendered in a straightforward, refined manner, while her face remains nondescript.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 1950s by Marie-Louise Carven, a pioneering figure in Parisian couture and prêt-à-porter, Papirus is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Context

Papirus reflects Carven’s focus on designs for petite women and her innovative approach to fashion, including early adoption of ready-to-wear lines and the invention of a patented push-up bra.

Legacy

As part of the Museum of Ethnography, Papirus contributes to the historical record of mid-20th-century French fashion design, highlighting Carven’s contributions to the industry.