Who painted 'Symphonie'?

'Symphonie' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1951.

Where can I see 'Symphonie'?

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

Artwork

'Symphonie'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1951

'Symphonie' 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. Created circa 1951 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Symphonie* is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a flowing white dress.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1951 by French designer Marie‑Louise Carven, *Symphonie* is a fashion illustration depicting a woman in a flowing white dress. The image, now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings, exemplifies Carven’s early post‑war work and reflects her focus on light, elegant garments for petite figures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a poised female figure whose dress features a full skirt, fitted bodice, low rounded neckline and short sleeves. Her arms are bent, with the right hand lifted to her head and the left arm extended outward, conveying a sense of refined movement and graceful poise.

Technique & Style

Rendered with careful attention to fabric drapery, the illustration emphasizes the folds of the skirt and the contour of the bodice. A light yellow background punctuated by darker yellow and purple brushstrokes provides a subtle contrast, while the overall line work reflects Carven’s characteristic lightness and precision in portraying clothing.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Symphonie* was produced during the early 1950s, a period when Carven was establishing her reputation for designing lightweight garments for smaller women. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection at an unspecified date.