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Etude de tenue by Erté
- Erté's designs graced not only theatrical stages but also captured the attention of elite society
- The gown design is a quintessential example of Art Deco elegance, including layers bejeweled fabric
- Coveted by society’s elite, Erté‘s evening gown designs often appeared on red carpets and at galas
- Known as the "Father of Art Deco," Erté left a lasting impact on art and design
- Get complete item description here
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1892-1990 | Russian-French
Etude de tenue
Outfit Study
Signed “Erté”(lower right)
Gouache on paper
Erté's artistic contributions were not confined to theatrical set and costume design; they also adorned the pages of prestigious magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, captivating the attention of the fashion world's most discerning critics. This specific design serves as an exemplar of Art Deco sophistication. The illustration reveals all three components of an. . .
1892-1990 | Russian-French
Etude de tenue
Outfit Study
Signed “Erté”(lower right)
Gouache on paper
Erté's artistic contributions were not confined to theatrical set and costume design; they also adorned the pages of prestigious magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, captivating the attention of the fashion world's most discerning critics. This specific design serves as an exemplar of Art Deco sophistication. The illustration reveals all three components of an elaborate evening ensemble. To the right, the model's embellished undergarments are displayed, while to the left, a black bodysuit adorned with white sparkles is depicted. At the center of the composition is the complete look: a radiant halter neckline that seamlessly integrates with the black bodice, all enveloped in flowing white fabric and accentuated at the waist by a geometric black belt.
Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté‘s expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of Harper’s Bazaar, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including Ben Hur and La Bohème, and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Often remembered as the “Father of Art Deco,” Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
20th Century
Paper: 14 1/2” high by 10 1/2” wide
Frame: 20 3/4” high by 16 7/8” wide by 3/4" deep
Exhibitions:
M.S. Rau, New Orleans, Erté and the Era of Art Deco, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024
Provenance:
Private collection, Paris
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
