Who painted Saint Raphaël?

Saint Raphaël was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1956.

Where can I see Saint Raphaël?

Saint Raphaël is held by Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

Artwork

Saint Raphaël

Marie-Louise Carven , 1956

Saint Raphaël is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1956 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 1956, *Saint Raphaël* is a quick, sketch‑like drawing by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The work depicts a woman seen from behind, dressed in a long, wide‑collared coat with a belt and striped fabric, her hands hidden in pockets. Carven signed the piece in the lower corner with the name “St Raphaël.”

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a solitary female figure, emphasizing the silhouette of a fashionable coat rather than a narrative scene. Though catalogued as a religious‑themed object, the title suggests a reference to the saint rather than a literal depiction, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of attire and identity.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a loose, gestural hand, the sketch captures the coat’s shape and pattern with minimal line work, suggesting a rapid study. The emphasis on the garment’s structure, wide collar, and belt reflects Carven’s focus on tailoring, while the striped motif hints at her interest in bold yet refined textile designs.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven, founder of the eponymous fashion house in 1945 and a pioneer of ready‑to‑wear, produced the drawing during the mid‑1950s. The piece now belongs to the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it is displayed among objects that document cultural dress and fashion practices.

Context

Carven was celebrated for designing clothing suited to petite women and for employing delicate fabrics such as lace and gingham. *Saint Raphaël* reflects her broader aesthetic, merging practical tailoring with an elegant, understated sensibility that characterized her contributions to post‑war French fashion.