Who painted Grandes eaux?

Grandes eaux was painted by Marie-Louise Carven in 1967.

Where can I see Grandes eaux?

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

Artwork

Grandes eaux

Marie-Louise Carven , 1967

Grandes eaux is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

Loose, rapid lines and modest shading convey the garment’s folds, giving the work the character of a quick study rather than a finished portrait.

Created circa 1967, Grandes eaux is a sketch by French fashion designer Marie‑Louise Carven. The drawing, held by the Museum of Ethnography, depicts a woman in a long, unadorned coat with oversized pockets, a low‑set hat, and a small object clasped in one hand. Loose, rapid lines and modest shading convey the garment’s folds, giving the work the character of a quick study rather than a finished portrait.

Subject & Meaning

The figure appears to be an everyday woman, rendered in a functional coat that emphasizes practicality through its large pockets. The low hat and the handheld object suggest a moment of casual readiness, perhaps alluding to the modern, mobile lifestyle of the 1960s while highlighting Carven’s focus on wearable, accessible design.

Technique & Style

Carven employs swift, gestural line work, allowing the composition to retain a sense of immediacy. Subtle shading delineates the coat’s drapery, while the overall simplicity of the drawing mirrors the designer’s reputation for lightweight fabrics and streamlined silhouettes.

History & Provenance

Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was an early adopter of ready‑to‑wear collections. Grandes eaux entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains part of the institution’s broader assemblage of fashion‑related artifacts.

Context

The sketch emerges from a period when Carven was expanding beyond haute couture into prêt‑à‑porter, reflecting a shift toward more democratic fashion. Its informal execution aligns with the 1960s trend of designers documenting ideas through rapid sketches, a practice that bridged creative concept and commercial production.

Manteau avec grands plis dans le dos, Carven

Artist & collection

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.

Museum

Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris

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