Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Erté first met the legendary beauty Ganna Walska in 1920 when she contacted him about creating designs for her nascent opera career. He created many designs over the years for her, i...

Created in the 1980s for Erté's 'Art to Wear' jewelry collection, this gouache painting on paper is signed 'Erté' on the front and titled and annotated on the back in Erté's hand - "...

Erté created dress and coat designs for Henri Bendel for several years, beginning in 1914. Erté's artistry had a profound effect on women's fashions, beginning with his stint at Poir...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Conte Hindou en noir Signed “Erté”(middle right) Inscribed "Inscribed 1922" (en verso) Gouache on paper Designed for a 1922 show at the Folies Bergère, Erté draws inspiration from the splendors of India in Conte Hindou (Hindu Story). The central bare-chested figure, adorned with a resplendent jewel-encrusted headpiece and draped in cascading pearl...

Likely a dress design for Henri Bendel or B. Altman, Untitled Fashion Design from 1919 is an iconic early Erté design. Erté's stylized Villa Excelsior name stamp and the 'Composition...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Salade de fleurs de lotus (Lotus Flower Salad) Inscribed “n°1.497” (en verso) Gouache on paper In 1929, Erté embarked on the cr...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Les travestis (The Transvestites) Signed “Erté” (lower right) Inscribed "No. 18.363 / Moi, j'aime le music-hall / Les Travestis" (en verso) Gouache on paper Erté’s costume...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Les Fleurs (The flowers) Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed "No. 362" (en verso) Gouache on paper Erté masterfully designs an...

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...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Le roi de Lahore (The King of Lahore) Signed “Erté” (lower right) Inscribed "Les Rois des Légendes / No. 11 / Le Roi de Lahore /...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Fleurs du Mal(The Flowers of Evil) Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed 114.6 (en verso) Gouache on paper Captivating and vibrant, this colorful gouache entitledFleurs du Mal showcases Erté's masterful creativity and keen eye. Inspired by Les Fleurs du mal, the famed volume of poems by French writer Charles Baudelaire, this ensemble marries light purple and green floral motifs with the suggestive form of red lips poised for a smooch. This daring yet feminine appearance encapsulates the Art Deco allure for which the artist's creations are cherished. The sophisticated arrangement emanates the fundamental richness and theatricality that can only be accomplished by Erté, often hailed as the "Father of Art Deco." 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 themes to create original fashion sketches...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Costume tailleur(Tailored suit) Signed "Erté"(lower right) Inscribed "No. 55"(en verso) Gouache on paper This striking gouache on...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Le Roi Mage Gaspard Mage King Gaspard Signed “Erté” (lower right) Inscribed "Les Rois des Légendes / N°3 / Roi Mage Gaspard / Date : 28 Février 1919 / No. 222" (en verso) Ink and gouache on paper A testament to Erté's pioneering creativity, this elaborate costume design was created for a 1919 production of Les Rois des Légendes, a performance that showcased a variety of legendary kings from throughout history. One of the three Magi, Gaspard or Gaspar (also known as Casper), was a legendary Magi who, alongside Melchior and Balthasar, paid homage to the baby Jesus. Gaspard is often depicted as an Indian king...

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...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Mistinguett Signed "Erté" (lower right) Stamped "Composition originale" (en verso) Gouache on paper Erté designed this costume fo...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Les Bambous Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed "No. 361" (en verso) Gouache and gold on paper Erté renders a stylish gold an...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Dame d'Honneur de la princessl(Maid of Honor to the princess) Inscribed "n°1.529" (en verso) Gouache on paper In 1929, Erté maste...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Gysie Signed "Erté"(lower right) Inscribed "No. 5442" (en verso) Gouache on paper An enthralling pink gown by Erté is namedGysie,...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Les Dragons (The dragons) Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed "No. 358" (en verso) Gouache and gold on paper Erté masterfully ...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Couronne de laurier The Laurel Wreath Signed "Erté"(lower right) Inscribed "No. 34.3" (en verso) Gouache on paper Erté conceive...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Princesse d'Asie Signed "Erté" (lower right) Watercolor and ink on paper Erté reinvigorated the Orientalist imagery of 19th-centu...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Eros Signed "Erté" (lower right) Gouache and silver on paper Eros is historically portrayed as a mischievous, winged youth armed ...

An original 1946 drawing painted by Royal Academy artist Christopher Sanders. A fine example of a Modern British nude drawing by an artist who exhibited hundreds of times at The Roya...

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Petit Chinois Signed “Erté”(lower right) Inscribed "No. 19" (en verso) Gouache on paper This costume was designed for a charact...

A large, detailed Art Deco pencil charcoal impressionist depiction of Can Can dancers which was executed circa 1956 by Frank G Howes. Excellent provenance. Signed lower right. Prov...

Artist: TARKAY, ITZCHAK Title: "GARDEN PARTY" Size: 15 X 22 INCHES Medium: WATERCOLOR ON FRANCH ARCHES PAPER Edition: ORIGINAL Description: Hand signed by the artist The artwork is i...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman in Western wear. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A...

Artist: TARKAY, ITZCHAK Title: "PARK CAFE" Size: 15 X 22 INCHES Medium: WATERCOLOR ON FRANCH ARCHES PAPER Edition: ORIGINAL Description: Hand signed by the artist The artwork is in e...

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scevola (1871-1950) Portrait of a young woman Pastel on paper 38 x 28 cm (oval) Framed under glass in a vintage framing : 45 x 35 cm A label on the back "1928 Portrait de femme Etude au pastel de Guirand de Scévola" (see photographs please) This pastel study is of course not signed, as the label on the back of the frame gives its attribution to Guirand de Scévola and, equally interestingly, the date 1928, but in fact the artist's style and execution are immediately recognisable without the need for a signature. This type of woman with a bun is typical of the models the artist loved. Her mysterious air recalls his Symbolist period, and pastel is hisr preferred medium because it lends itself to all the characteristics typical of his art. Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola ( 1871 – 1950) was a French painter. He was student of Fernand Cormon and Pierre Dupuis...

Artist: TARKAY, ITZCHAK Title: "SUNNY DAY" Size: 15 X 22 INCHES Medium: WATERCOLOR ON FRANCH ARCHES PAPER Edition: ORIGINAL Description: Hand signed by the artist The artwork is in e...

A French Art Deco illustrative drawing, hand painted in ink and gouache on blue laid paper. The design includes a collection of fashion accessories, handbags, gloves, hats, and perfu...

Preliminary study for Cretan Dancer bronze sculpture Unsigned Graphite on tracing paper, 1930-1934 Sheet size: 6 7/8 x 7 1/8 inches Created while the artist was woring in Paris, c. 1930 “The stylizing of the Cretan allegories, used in figures of animals such as horses and bulls, symbolizes the ancient power of the South. These figures reveal a spiritual sensuality as he strives to attain a symbol of the earth and universe endowed with musical values. If man is the center of his idea of life and nature, it is because of the laws that govern the movement of stars and history. The link binding his figures together has, in a sense, a Pythagorean harmony.” Salvatore Quasimodo, Milan, 1967, quoted from Bush, Boris Lover-Lorski: The Language of Time, page 12. Regarding the artist: Boris Lovet-Lorski Lithuanian/Russian/American 1894-1973 Sculptor, painter, and printmaker, Boris Lovet-Lorski was born in Lithuania in 1894. His mother died when he was age three. His father was affluent and owned real estate. Boris grew up in a privileged environment. He studied architecture and then fine arts at the Imperial Academy of Art in Petrograd, Russia (now Saint Petersburg). Following the revolution in 1917 and its aftermath, Boris immigrated to Boston to live with his brother. In the 1920’s, his stylized, Art Deco inspired sculptures, lithographs, and paintings proved to be popular among the American elite. He exhibited frequently, holding his first solo exhibition in Boston, 1920. In the following years, Boris exhibited in New York at Marie Sterner Gallery, Jacques Seligmann Galleries and Wildenstein and Company. He lived in Paris from 1926 to 1932 where he befriended Joseph Hecht, and was exposed to the works of Pablo Picasso, Ossip Zadkine, Contantin Brancusi and Aristide Maillol. In 1932 he returned to America where he became a citizen later in the decade. Lovet-Lorski exhibited in the United States, South America, Europe and Asia. He was a member of the Society of Independent Artists (New York), the National Academy of Design (New York), and the Lotos Club (New York), as well as several Parisian salons. His work is in the permanent collections of numerous museums including the Musée Luxembourg, Bibliotèque Nationale, and the Petit Palais in France, the British Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the National Gallery in Washington, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. (A more extensive list of his works in museums follows) He is considered one of the most successful and recognized sculptors of his generation. His creative influence can be seen in many of his contemporary artists. He died in Los Angeles in 1973. Regarding his iconic Art Deco sculptures of Cretan Dancers: “The stylizing of the Cretan allegories, used in figures of animals such as horses and bulls, symbolizes the ancient power of the South. These figures reveal a spiritual sensuality as he strives to attain a symbol of the earth and universe endowed with musical values. If man is the center of his idea of life and nature, it is because of the laws that govern the movement of stars and history. The link binding his figures together has, in a sense, a Pythagorean harmony.” Salvatore Quasimodo, Milan, 1967, quoted from Bush, Boris Lover-Lorski: The Language of Time, page 12. Lovet-Lorski created sculptures of the following major figures I.J. Paderewski, Prime Minister of Poland Arturo Toscanini, Italian Conductor Lilian Gish, Actress President Franklin D. Roosevelt Mrs. M. C. Niarchos, wife of Stavros Niarchos President Abraham Lincoln James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, First Secretary of Defense Pope Pius XII Dr. Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist President Dwight D. Eisenhower Albert Schweitzer, theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician General Charles De Gaulle, President of the Fourth and Fifth Republic, France John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State, 1953-1959 President John F. Kennedy Works by Lover Lorski are in the following public collections: Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Art Institute of Chicago Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris Brandeis University, Waltham, MA British Museum, London Boston University Brooklyn Museum California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Sam Francisco...

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scevola (1871-1950) A Man writing at his desk, 18th century interior scene Pastel on paper Signed upper right 20.5 x 15.8 cm Framed under glass : 37 x 31.5 cm It is known that Guirand de Scevola was very interested in the Palace of Versailles and its Old Regime atmosphere, that he often painted it and that he participated in the Versailles Revival movement at the beginning of the century. This probably led him to paint scenes in the 18th century style, for which he was particularly well known and which are still sought after. What is striking is the modernity of the execution of our pastel, which obviously contrasts with its subject in the style of the 18th century. Guirand de Scevoal is a great colourist and he proves it here with eclat, by building up his composition with white pastel highlights, contrasting with brown and black. There is something of the northern painters in this treatment of light. All this, as always with him, is very subtle. The light radiating from the window is almost an abstract notation, but it gives meaning to this interior scene. Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola ( 1871 – 1950) was a French painter. He was student of Fernand Cormon and Pierre Dupuis...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman in a Blum's Vogue ad. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chica...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman seated with hat and gloves. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of...

Unique, one of a kind original gouache on paper from Harper's Bazar series. Hand signed lower front by Erte; titled top front with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.7...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a hat advertisement for Chicago's most notable department store, Marshall Field & Company. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the...

La Traviata - Dancer of the Bohemian Ballet - 3rd Act is a modern artwork realized in 1948 century by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored gouache on ...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman in an evening gown. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Archivally matted to 12" x 16". "Black velvet gown trimmed in net and red poppies. Carson Pirie Scott."

Harp Player is a drawing in Charcoal on paper realized by in the Mid-20th Century. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through soft strokes in a wel...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman in a hat and Marshall Field coat. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Instit...

This stunning charcoal drawing lithograph print on paper depicting a fanciful lion kidnapping a young woman was designed by Adolf Uzarski (1885-1970), a German artist. This drawing i...

To see our other Modern British Art, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the artist you ...

A new coffee table book has just been released titled "Poster Child" The Psychedelic Art & Technicolor Life of David Edward Byrd. This original drawing is featured on page 104 of the...

A very charming and stylish Art Deco costume study of a lady in a yellow butterfly costume by the French costume designer Jean Aumond. Jean Aumond (F...

An early 1940s fashion study featuring a woman in a Saks Fifth Avenue ad. Provenance: Cornelia Steckl-Jurin, Founder of the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute of ...

Romain de Tirtoff, called Erte (French/Russian, 1892-1990) Articles de Paris – Woman’s fair Ink pen Signed with stamped signature (lower right) 6.7/8 x 10.1/4 in. (17.5 x 26 cm.) Pro...

A very charming and stylish Art Deco costume study of a lady in a blue butterfly costume by the French costume designer Jean Aumond. Jean Aumond (Fre...

This captivating piece titled 'Orange Bikini Swimmer on the Sand' beckons for a contemplative pause. The figurative drawing in watercolor, with ink accents on paper, captures the tra...

This is the Original 1969 drawing of the two nude figures that appear on the Jimi Hendrix Spring 1969 concert poster. It is as much of a collectors item as it is a fine work of art. This was given to Hendrix to approve the art for the final poster. You can see images of the full 1969 poster in this listing. David Byrd referred to these women as "Moon Maidens" The art is Pencil on iridescent tracing paper, Matted with it's original "Electric Purple" matt, as done by David Byrd. The original drawing of this full image was used for the 1969 Spring U.S concert tour and it was also used as the image for Hendrix's press kit in 1969 which was given to concert promotors to advertise the concert. David met with Jimi to approve his original drawing. The art measures 7 x 8", and the matted and framed art measures approx. 15x16". David created ALL of the Art for Bill Graham’s Fillmore East, including their Program covers and Rock posters...

HARRY CARLETON ATTWOOD (1907-1985) The Model - Design for Eltham Palace Coloured chalks, arched top Framed 21 by 13 cm., 8 ¼ by 5 in. (frame size 39.5 by 31.5 cm., 15 ½ by 12 ½ in...

Costume Design is an original modern artwork realized in 1970s by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored gouache on paper. Hand signed on the lower m...

A new coffee table book has just been released titled "Poster Child" The Psychedelic Art & Technicolor Life of David Edward Byrd. This original drawing is featured on page 89 of the book. An image of the book cover can be seen in this listing. This beautifully matted & framed original art...

Viktor Schreckengost (American, 1906-2008) Mayan Watercolor heightened with gouache over pencil on paper Signed lower right 39 x 29 inches 45.5 x 35.5 inches, framed Registered with The Viktor Schreckengost foundation, stock no. 6891 The son of a commercial potter in Sebring, Ohio, Viktor Schreckengost learned the craft of sculpting in clay from his father. In the mid-1920s, he enrolled at the Cleveland School of Art (now the Cleveland Institute of Art, or CIA) to study cartoon making, but after seeing an exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art he changed his focus to ceramics. Upon graduation in 1929, he studied ceramics in Vienna, Austria, where he began to build a reputation, not only for his art, but also as a jazz saxophonist. A year later, at the age of 25, he became the youngest faculty member at the CIA. In 1931, Schreckengost won the first of several awards for excellence in ceramics at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and his works were shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, and elsewhere. By the mid-1930s, Schreckengost had begun to pursue his interest in industrial design. For American Limoges...

Original Vintage 1920's Ink and Watercolor Fashion Illustration by listed New England artist Harriette (Nutting) Cooper (1901 - 2002). The illustration depicts a lovely young flappe...

Meticulously rendered art deco illustration of a stylized woman ( perhaps Asian ) having a dialog with a small monkey perch on her outstretched arm. ...

Wheeler Williams (American, 1897-1972) Study for Dawn, 1947 Pencil on paper 9 1/4 x 12 1/4 in. Signed lower right: Wheeler Williams, 1947 Inscribed: Study fo Dawn [illegible] "Dawn & Twilight" A native of Chicago, Wheeler Williams is known for his allegorical, narrative work including "Tablets to Pioneers" on the Michigan Avenue bridge in Chicago, and "Settlers of the Seaboard" in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. He graduated with honors...

Unique, one of a kind original gouache on paper from Harper's Bazar series. Hand signed lower front by Erte; titled top front with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.7...