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Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
La Dionée Dite Gobe-Mouches By Erté

1917

About the Item

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French La dionée dite Gobe-mouches(Venus Flytrap) Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed ---- (en verso) Gouache on paper Daring and mysterious, this original gouache from the creative mind of Erté features the sinuous figure of a woman wearing a unique ebony and sanguine body suit with a dramatic wing-like cape. Entitled La dionée dite Gobe-mouches or Venus Flytrap, this work embodies the Art Deco glamour and tongue-in-cheek artistry for which the artist's designs are so beloved. Inspired by the famed volume of poems from iconic French writer Charles Baudelaire, this ensemble showcases Erté's sartorial interpretation of La Vampire from Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du mal. This elegant composition exudes the quintessential opulence and drama that only Erté, the oft-called "Father of Art Deco," could achieve. La dionée dite Gobe-mouches showcases the breadth of Erté's creativity and his design expertise. First published in 1857, Baudelaire's Les Fleurs du mal was controversial for its suggestive content and themes of decadence and eroticism. The volume provided a wealth of inspiration for Erté and he drew from several specific poems to create original fashion sketches and designs. This dark and dramatic design plays upon the poem La Vampire and Erté cleverly names his design after a carnivorous bloom. Marked by red piping sprawling out like plant roots -- or arteries -- the figure outstretches her arms to transform her black cape into a set of wings. A combination of high fashion and double entendre, Erté's artistic interpretations of Baudelaire's words showcase his clever imagination and sophisticated point of view. 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. Painted 1917 Paper: 10 1/2" high by 7" wide Frame: 17 1/8" high by 14 1/8" wide by 5/8" 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
  • Creator:
    Erte - Romain de Tirtoff (1892 - 1990, Russian)
  • Creation Year:
    1917
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.125 in (43.5 cm)Width: 14.125 in (35.88 cm)Depth: 0.625 in (1.59 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 31-75591stDibs: LU18613036052
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    Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Costume Oriental Signed “Erté”(lower right) Inscribed "No. 19" (en verso) Gouache on paper Titled Costume Oriental, this ensemble epitomizes Erté's signature fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetic elements. The attire features grey pantaloons enveloped by a vivid red skirt adorned with intricate white Orientalist motifs. The bodice, a geometric tapestry of black and white stripes, is composed of narrow horizontal black bands juxtaposed with glittering gemstones. This visual harmony is accentuated by a trio of diamond shapes vertically aligned on the chest. The crowning element is a gem-encrusted turban, surmounted by three red fan shapes, lending the headpiece the appearance of a striking medallion. This sartorial masterpiece is an authentic Erté creation for the 1926 rendition of George White's Scandals, staged at the Heilig Theatre in Portland, Oregon. The revue initially debuted at the Apollo Theatre in New York City on June 30, 1924, enjoying a run of 196 performances before embarking on a tour. Orchestrated by George White from 1919 to 1939, the Scandals series distinguished itself through its timely comedy and exceptional choreography, a testament to White's expertise as a dancer. In contrast to the more lavish Ziegfeld Follies,Scandals offered a streamlined yet sophisticated experience. The Sixth Edition was particularly remarkable for its artistic collaborations: Erté designed the scenery and curtains, while George Gershwin composed the musical score, which included the classic "Somebody Loves Me." The production featured an ensemble of notable performers, including Nyra Brown and the Leeland Sisters. The artist, 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. Painted 1926 Paper: 12“ high x 9 wide Frame: 19 1/4“ high x 16 1/8” wide x 5/8" deep Exhibitions: M.S. Rau, New Orleans, Erté and the Era of Art Deco, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024 Provenance: Private collection, Paris Christie's South Kensington: Sale, 2014 Bouret Gonzalez Collection Sydney and Sibyl Colefax...
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