Oseille was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1955.

Where can I see Oseille?

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

Artwork

Oseille

Marie-Louise Carven , 1955

Oseille is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1955 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Oseille is a fashion sketch created by Marie-Louise Carven around 1955, characterized by loose yet confident lines and bold graphic patterns. It depicts a woman in a plaid shirt and skirt ensemble, accessorized with a narrow belt and small hoop earrings.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Oseille is a simply dressed woman in a coordinated plaid outfit, reflecting Carven's focus on practical yet stylish designs for petite women. The name 'Oseille' (sorrel in French), noted in the corner, likely serves as a design code or nickname for the outfit.

Technique & Style

Executed with quick, confident strokes, Oseille showcases Carven's use of loose lines to convey fabric folds and texture. The plaid pattern is rendered in a bold, graphic manner, typical of Carven's approach to everyday clothing.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1955 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Oseille is now part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection. Carven was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines among couturiers.

Context

Oseille reflects mid-century fashion trends influenced by Carven's innovative approach to designing for petite women using lightweight fabrics. It embodies the shift towards more accessible, ready-to-wear clothing.

Legacy

As a work by Marie-Louise Carven, Oseille contributes to the historical record of her influence on mid-20th-century fashion, particularly in the development of prêt-à-porter and designs catering to petite women.