Who painted 'Gris souris'?

'Gris souris' was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1949.

Where can I see 'Gris souris'?

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

Artwork

'Gris souris'

Marie-Louise Carven , 1949

'Gris souris' is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1949 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Gris souris, created circa 1949, is a fashion sketch by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house. The work is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch depicts a woman standing sideways, leaning on a chair, wearing a long, high-waisted dress and a loose, button-front coat. Her hairstyle is pulled back, and the dress fabric cascades to her ankles.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, loose strokes, the sketch contrasts faint pencil lines in some areas with darker ink washes in others. The chair is minimally sketched, suggesting an afterthought.

History & Provenance

Created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1949, the sketch reflects her approach to design, notably for petite women and lightweight fabrics. It is now held in the Museum of Ethnography.

Context

As a pioneering Parisian couturier with an early prêt-à-porter line (introduced via Carven, founded in 1945), this work contextualizes Carven's contribution to mid-20th-century fashion's shift towards accessible, ready-to-wear designs.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'Gris souris' are not provided, it represents Carven's influence on fashion for petite women and the evolution of prêt-à-porter in post-war Parisian couture.