Artwork

Pastel

Pastel, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951
Pastel, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1951

Pastel is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Pastel, a drawing from around 1951, is a representative work from Marie-Louise Carven's early career as a French fashion designer. It is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a woman in a formal, strapless gown, emphasizing elegance and sophistication through its design elements. The subject's face is obscured, focusing attention on the attire.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose, expressive style, Pastel features bold lines and subtle color variations, achieved through the use of pastel medium. This approach conveys a sense of refinement.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1951, during the establishment of Carven's fashion house, Pastel reflects her aesthetic of the time. It is currently held in the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

Pastel aligns with Carven's design philosophy, catering to petite women with lightweight, elegant fabrics, though the medium here is visual rather than textile.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.