Who painted Pascale Audret?

Pascale Audret was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1957.

Where can I see Pascale Audret?

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

Artwork

Pascale Audret

Marie-Louise Carven , 1957

Pascale Audret 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

Rendered in light pencil with subtle shading, it depicts a woman in a flowing, short‑sleeved dress with a cinched waist and layered, ruffled skirt.

Created circa 1957, the drawing titled *Pascale Audret* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. Rendered in light pencil with subtle shading, it depicts a woman in a flowing, short‑sleeved dress with a cinched waist and layered, ruffled skirt. The figure is poised with one leg forward, suggesting movement, while her hair is gathered back. The work belongs to the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration presents a young woman, likely the model Pascale Audret, dressed in a garment that emphasizes softness and ease of wear. The loose silhouette, short sleeves, and delicate folds reflect Carven’s focus on lightweight fabrics suited to petite figures, embodying a post‑war desire for comfort and femininity in everyday attire.

Technique & Style

Carven employs fine pencil lines to outline the dress’s structure, using cross‑hatching to convey the texture of lace‑like material and the subtle drape of the skirt. The shading is restrained, allowing the form of the garment to emerge through tonal variation rather than bold contrast, characteristic of mid‑century French fashion sketching.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house in 1945, was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line and to secure a patent for a push‑up bra. This sketch, produced around 1957, reflects her innovative approach to design for petite women. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, where it remains accessible for study.