Who painted 'Pastilles'?

'Pastilles' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1949.

Where can I see 'Pastilles'?

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

Artwork

'Pastilles'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1949

'Pastilles' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Pastilles, a fashion sketch from circa 1949, embodies the design aesthetic of Marie-Louise Carven, a French couturière known for her petite-friendly, lightweight creations and early adoption of ready-to-wear in Paris.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman in a long, flowing dress with a dark, fitted top and a sheer, embellished skirt featuring scattered, round motifs resembling beads, sequins, or candy, potentially inspiring the piece’s title.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, confident ink strokes with a quick, sketch-like quality, the work showcases a preliminary design approach, characteristic of fashion sketches, with implied texture and minimal shading.

History & Provenance

Pastilles is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, though its creation context within Carven’s broader design output and the museum’s acquisition details are not specified.

Context

Emerging in the post-World War II era, Pastilles reflects the evolving Parisian fashion scene, where designers like Carven were influencing the transition towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing.