Who painted Princesse Thi?

Princesse Thi was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Princesse Thi?

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

Artwork

Princesse Thi

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Princesse Thi 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

Created circa 1959, *Princesse Thi* is a fashion sketch by French designer Marie-Louise Carven. The drawing, executed in watercolor and ink, depicts a woman in a long teal gown with a fitted bodice, flared skirt, and a modest headpiece. A flat pattern outline accompanies the illustration, indicating its purpose as a garment design.

Subject & Meaning

The figure appears to represent a client named Thi, as suggested by the handwritten label “Princesse Thi 173.” The flowing silhouette and subtle floral motif at the hem convey a refined, feminine aesthetic, aligning with Carven’s reputation for elegant, lightweight clothing tailored to petite women.

Technique & Style

Carven’s sketch combines loose, gestural lines with soft watercolor shading, a method that captures the drape of the fabric while remaining quick and functional. The inclusion of a flat pattern beside the figure reflects the practical, ready-to-wear approach she pioneered in Parisian couture.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, the Carven fashion house was among the first Paris couturiers to launch a prêt‑à‑porter line. This particular design, dating to the late 1950s, is now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it serves as a document of mid‑century French fashion development.

Context

During the post‑war era, Carven’s emphasis on lightweight fabrics and accessible sizing responded to a growing demand for practical yet stylish clothing. *Princesse Thi* exemplifies this shift, illustrating how haute couture techniques were adapted for mass‑market production.