Artwork
Lézard
Lézard is a drawing by Marie-Louise Carven. It dates from 1952 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
About this work
Overview
Lézard is a mid‑century illustration attributed to French couturier Marie‑Louise Carven, dating to roughly 1952. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and exemplifies Carven’s experimental approach to women’s clothing during the early post‑war years.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays a woman in a vivid green ensemble, complemented by a matching hat and striking red gloves. She is captured mid‑movement, arms outstretched and one leg lifted, suggesting a sense of freedom and modernity that aligns with Carven’s aim to dress petite, active women.
Technique & Style
Rendered in fine cross‑hatching, the image emphasizes the texture of the lightweight fabrics and the precise tailoring of the fitted jacket and knee‑length skirt. The contrast between the green attire and the red accessories highlights Carven’s use of bold colour accents within a restrained silhouette.
History & Provenance
Marie‑Louise Carven founded her eponymous fashion house in 1945 and was among the first designers to launch a ready‑to‑wear line. Lézard, created around 1952, reflects this transitional period when haute couture began to intersect with mass‑market fashion. The piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through a donation in the late 20th century.
Context
The early 1950s saw a shift toward more accessible fashion, with designers like Carven pioneering garments for smaller frames and everyday wear. Lézard illustrates this trend, combining elegant tailoring with practical, lightweight materials suited to the era’s evolving lifestyle.
Artist & collection
Artist
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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Béguinage
