Who painted Tournesol?

Tournesol was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1951.

Where can I see Tournesol?

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

Artwork

Tournesol

Marie-Louise Carven , 1951

Tournesol is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1951 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Tournesol is a fashion sketch created by French designer Marie-Louise Carven around 1951. The piece features a woman in a dark blue ensemble with a distinctive yellow flower accent, rendered in loose, quick lines that convey a sense of spontaneity.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Tournesol is a petite woman dressed in a dark blue outfit, accessorized with a bright yellow flower on her lapel and a matching blue hat. Her pose, with one hand on her hip, suggests a casual, modern femininity. The overall design reflects Carven's focus on petite women and her use of bold, contrasting elements.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by loose, rapid lines, giving it an unfinished, lively appearance. This technique may have been used to quickly capture a fashion concept, consistent with the development of prêt-à-porter designs. The bold contrast between the dark blue fabric and the bright yellow flower adds visual interest.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1951 by Marie-Louise Carven, founder of the Carven fashion house (established in 1945), Tournesol is now part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. Carven was a pioneer in introducing prêt-à-porter lines and held a patent for the first push-up bra.

Context

Tournesol can be contextualized within the evolution of post-war fashion, particularly the rise of ready-to-wear. Its bold, colorful style also invites comparison with womenswear trends of the preceding decade, the 1930s, known for similar assertive fashion statements.