M.S. Rau's new gallery exhibition 'Erté & the Era of Art Deco' features 170 works by the 'Father of Art Deco'

NEW ORLEANS, LA.- M.S. Rau has unveiled its newest exhibition, Erté & The Era of Art Deco, at its gallery at 630 Royal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The curated installation will feature nearly 170 original works by Erté - the oft-called “Father of Art Deco” - as well as other rare period treasures that epitomize the opulence and sophistication of the Art Deco movement. The show will also be available to view online as a virtual exhibition at msrau.com.

Art Deco was an influential art and design style that emerged during the Roaring Twenties, featuring sleek and stylized forms, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. One of the key figures in shaping this style was Erté, also known as Romain de Tirtoff. The exhibition showcases a large collection of Erté's original gouache paintings, which were used to create designs for fashion shows, nightclubs, and stage performances. The exhibition also explores Erté's career and his lasting impact on high society, modern culture and the decorative and performing arts.

Other highlights include an extraordinary assemblage of works from prominent artists, designers and jewelers who embraced the Art Deco aesthetic championed by Erté. Period jewelry from the famed houses of Cartier and Raymond Yard, glass masterpieces wrought by the visionaries René Lalique and Camille Fauré, and exceptional furniture crafted by the period’s finest artisans are featured, showing the range of decorative arts that emerged during the era.

M.S. Rau’s President and third-generation owner Bill Rau expressed his excitement for this extraordinary exhibition: "Erté & The Era of Art Deco will absolutely bring to life the enduring legacy of Art Deco design. From the famous pages of The Great Gatsby to the enchanting streets of Midnight in Paris, the Roaring Twenties continues to captivate our imaginations over a hundred years later. Join us as we indulge in the glitz, the glamour and the timeless allure of this iconic period."

Opening this fall at M.S. Rau’s French Quarter gallery, the comprehensive exhibition features fine art, jewelry and antiques that encapsulate the timeless sophistication of Erté‘s creativity and the unbridled allure of Art Deco design.

M.S. Rau

Founded in 1912, M.S. Rau stands as one of North America’s most respected fine art, antiques and jewelry galleries. The 40,000-square-foot gallery features carefully selected works from a diverse array of artists and makers who have defined the fine and decorative arts over the centuries. These museum-quality offerings are bolstered by Rau’s team of experts, who ensure that each piece is thoroughly vetted for quality and authenticity. Furthermore, the jewelry boutique at M.S. Rau continues in the gallery’s century-long tradition of offering only the best in its category with a collection that includes high jewelry and one-of-a-kind gemstones. A commitment to quality, historic value and beauty underpins each of the gallery’s acquisitions; it is a commitment that allows Rau to present only the most exceptional in fine art, antiques and jewels.

M.S. Rau
Erté & the Era of Art Deco
October 14th, 2023 - January 3rd, 2024