Artwork

Vert-citron

Vert-citron, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958
Vert-citron, by Marie-Louise Carven, 1958

Vert-citron 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

Vert-citron is a sketch of a woman's dress created by French fashion designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1958. The work is a simple, expressive drawing that conveys the designer's vision for a strapless, A-line dress.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman wearing a sleek, fitted dress with loose, floral patterns. The handwritten title 'Vert-citron' suggests the dress may have been intended to be lime green in color, adding a pop of brightness to the overall design.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by quick, expressive lines and loose brushstrokes, conveying a sense of spontaneity and creative freedom. The use of a secondary, abbreviated sketch in the corner adds to the overall feeling of informality and rapid ideation.

History & Provenance

Marie-Louise Carven founded the House of Carven in 1945 and was known for designing clothing for petite women using lightweight fabrics. Vert-citron is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Marie-Louise Carven

Artist

Marie-Louise Carven

Marie-Louise Carven (31 August 1909 – 8 June 2015), born Carmen de Tommaso, was a French fashion designer who founded the house of Carven in 1945.