Who painted Pardessus bleu turquoise?

Pardessus bleu turquoise was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1957.

Where can I see Pardessus bleu turquoise?

Pardessus bleu turquoise is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Pardessus bleu turquoise

Marie-Louise Carven , 1957

Pardessus bleu turquoise is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1957 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

The turquoise overcoat, titled *Pardessus bleu turquoise*, dates from the late 1950s and is attributed to French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven. Produced around 1957, the piece exemplifies Carven’s post‑war aesthetic, combining vivid colour with refined tailoring for the modern woman.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented in a three‑quarter pose: her torso faces left while her head turns to the right, creating a subtle tension between movement and stillness. A neat bob frames her calm expression, and the confident stance of the model conveys poise, suggesting readiness to enter a social setting with understated elegance.

Technique & Style

Bold, clean lines define the coat’s silhouette, emphasizing its collar, button front and knee‑length cut. The striking turquoise hue is set against a muted backdrop, allowing the garment’s colour to dominate the composition. The rendering balances graphic clarity with a soft handling of the fabric’s texture, reflecting mid‑century French fashion’s blend of simplicity and vibrancy.

History & Provenance

Carven, who established her eponymous house in 1945, was renowned for catering to petite figures and for pioneering ready‑to‑wear collections alongside haute couture. This overcoat illustrates her early adoption of bright palettes and lightweight materials such as lace, hallmarks of her design philosophy during the 1950s.

Context

The work emerges from a period when Parisian fashion was transitioning from strictly custom couture to more accessible prêt‑à‑porter lines. Carven’s focus on practical yet stylish garments for everyday wear mirrors broader post‑war shifts toward democratized fashion and the growing visibility of women in public life.