Who painted Véridique?

Véridique was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1958.

Where can I see Véridique?

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

Artwork

Véridique

Marie-Louise Carven , 1958

Véridique is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1958 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 1958, *Véridique* is a fashion illustration by French designer Marie-Louise Carven. The drawing depicts a side‑view of a woman in a turquoise dress marked by a loose, dotted pattern. Rendered in quick, confident lines with subtle shading, the image emphasizes the garment’s movement against an unadorned background.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented without jewelry or accessories, focusing attention on the dress itself. The short, neatly styled hair and the simple pose reinforce Carven’s interest in practicality and elegance for petite women, reflecting her design philosophy of lightweight, wearable fashion.

Technique & Style

Carven employs sketch‑like strokes that convey fluidity and immediacy, while light shading defines the body’s contours. The turquoise fabric, rendered with a dotted texture, stands out sharply against the neutral backdrop, highlighting the designer’s use of color and pattern to draw the eye to the garment.

History & Provenance

Founded in 1945, Carven’s fashion house was among the first to launch a ready‑to‑wear line, bridging haute couture and everyday attire. *Véridique* entered the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of fashion‑related visual material.

Context

During the late 1950s, Carven was recognized for designing for petite silhouettes and for employing light fabrics such as lace and gingham. This illustration exemplifies her approach, marrying simplicity with a playful use of color, and reflects broader post‑war trends toward accessible, stylish clothing.