The Beauty of Erté

I have, from time to time in my resale work, come across various Erté artifacts. Most recently, at an estate sale I hosted last weekend, we had a silk scarf which has been framed and matted to look like a painting or wall art.  Erté’s art deco designs, powerful use of color and suggestive themes have always struck a chord with me, with the result that this piece of silkscreen art ended up coming home with me; A resale fail, as it were. As I admired it earlier today, I considered that I don’t really know too much about Erté, so I asked the internet. Here’s is what I learned:

Erté, born Romain de Tirtoff on November 23, 1892, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was a renowned 20th-century artist and designer. He is best known for his contributions to the Art Deco movement, particularly in the fields of fashion, costume design, illustration, and set design. His pseudonym, Erté, comes from the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T.

Early Life and Career

• Background: Born into a Russian aristocratic family, Erté moved to Paris in 1912 to pursue his artistic career, despite his parents' initial objections.
• Early Work: He started working for the fashion designer Paul Poiret and soon made a name for himself in the fashion industry.

Art Deco Influence

• Illustration and Design: Erté's illustrations were characterized by their elegant, elongated forms, intricate patterns, and use of rich, vibrant colors. He contributed numerous covers and illustrations to the magazine Harper's Bazaar.
• Fashion and Costume: Erté designed costumes and sets for theatre, opera, and film. His work was marked by its theatrical flair and attention to detail.
• Graphics and Sculpture: Beyond fashion, Erté created lithographs, serigraphs, and bronze sculptures, showcasing his versatility and keen eye for design.

Notable Works and Achievements

• Harper's Bazaar: Erté's association with Harper's Bazaar lasted over 20 years, during which he produced more than 200 covers, cementing his reputation in the fashion world.
• Theatrical Designs: He designed costumes for the Folies Bergère in Paris and productions such as the Ziegfeld Follies and Broadway shows.
• Revival and Legacy: Erté experienced a revival of interest in his work during the 1960s and 1970s, leading to exhibitions and renewed appreciation for his contribution to Art Deco.

Style and Influence

• Signature Style: Erté's work is often characterized by its opulence, elegance, and stylized forms. He drew inspiration from various sources, including ancient Egyptian art, Orientalism, and classical mythology.
• Cultural Impact: His designs have influenced fashion, film, and graphic arts, leaving a lasting legacy in the worlds of art and design.

Death and Legacy

• Passing: Erté passed away on April 21, 1990, in Paris, France.
• Legacy: Today, Erté's works are celebrated in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. His influence can still be seen in contemporary fashion and design.

Erté's unique vision and contributions to the Art Deco movement have solidified his place as one of the most influential artists and designers of the 20th century. If you are unfamiliar with Erté's work I hope this blog will inspire you to seek it out.