Thuya was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1959.

Where can I see Thuya?

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

Artwork

Thuya

Marie-Louise Carven , 1959

Thuya 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, *Thuya* is a visual work attributed to French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven. The image is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings and illustrates Carven’s interest in translating her sartorial sensibility into a pictorial format.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a woman clad in a long, brown coat with a high collar and a coordinated hat. She stands with one leg slightly bent, hands hidden in the coat’s pockets, conveying a poised yet relaxed demeanor. A modest sketch of a coat’s back appears to the right, suggesting a focus on garment structure.

Technique & Style

Rendered in warm, earthy hues for the attire against a creamy white background, the image balances muted coloration with clear line work. The limited palette emphasizes texture and form, while the soft backdrop provides a subtle contrast that highlights the clothing’s silhouette.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first Parisian couturiers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. *Thuya* was produced in the late 1950s, a period when Carven was expanding her brand beyond couture. The work later entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains on view.

Context

The image reflects Carven’s reputation for designing lightweight fabrics and garments suited to petite women. By depicting a coat—a staple of her collections—in a simplified, almost diagrammatic manner, the piece underscores her pragmatic approach to fashion, merging aesthetic appeal with functional clarity.