Born Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990) in St. Petersburg, Russia, to an aristocratic family, the artist known as Erté — a pseudonym derived from the French pronunciation of his initials — was a Renaissance man of the art and design world. He worked in graphic arts, interior design, fashion, jewelry and set design for the stage and silver screen, becoming a leader of the Art Deco style.
Moving to Paris in 1912, Erté worked as a fashion designer under couturier Paul Poiret before securing a job with Harper’s Bazaar as a cover artist. Over 22 years, Erté created more than 240 magazine covers alongside his ongoing work in fashion design.
Extending his prolific career into theater sets, costumes, prints and lithographs, Erté became one of the most famous artists of the era. His style — a combination of the nature-inspired flourishes of Art Nouveau and bold, geometric linework — directly contributed to the birth of Art Deco, earning him the nickname “the Father of Art Deco.”
After a lull of creative production in the 1940s and 1950s, Erté reentered the public eye in the 1960s, when a renewed interest in Art Deco had taken shape.
Creating colorful lithographs, bold serigraphs (silk-screen prints) and bronze sculptures, he contributed to a resurgence of the style in France and beyond. This late-life acclaim for his art led to exhibitions in museums and galleries all over the world as well as his first published monograph in 1970. That same year he was awarded the title of Chevalier du Mérite Artistique et Cultural and in 1976 was named Officier des Arts et Lettres by the French government.
Today, Erté’s works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and LACMA in Los Angeles.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of Erté art, including fine art prints, paintings and other works.
The Letter 'Y' from the Alphabet Suite, Art Deco Screenprint by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Erte, Russian (1892 - 1989) Title: The Letter 'Y' from the Alphabet Suite Year: 1976 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition:...
Screen
La Traviata - Rodolphe - 4th act - Drawing by Erté - 1948
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
La Traviata - Rodolphe - 4th act is a modern artwork realized in 1948 century by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored gouache on paper. Hand signed on...
Gouache
Demeter (Les Idoles, Folies Bergère), 1924
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Déméter from Les Idoles, Folies Bergère was created in 1924 and is a gouache on paper measuring approximately 14.75 x 10.5 inches. Framed in a custom, closed-corner Art Deco...
Paper, Gouache
The Treasures of Indo-China, 1922
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Treasures of Indo-China, created in 1922, is a gouache on paper, 15 x 11.25 inches and framed in a custom, closed-corner Art Deco frame. Signed rec...
Paper, Gouache
La Princesse Lointaine: Porteurs d' Eventails, Signed Original Gouache on Paper
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Original on Gouache on paper. Hand signed on front; signed, titled, dated with dedication on verso by Erte. Stamped "Composition originale". Frame size 29 x 24.5 inches. Artwork s...
Gouache
Justice, Bronze Sculpture, Art Deco, Signed, Edition of 500, 1984
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture. Incised Erte signature with stamped numbered edition, foundry and date. From the edition of 500. Size: 19.5 x 10 x 8 inches. Published by Fine Art Acquisitions. ...
Bronze
Phi-Phi, rideau - Phidias - Premier acte fait pour les Bouffes-Parisiens
By Erté
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is a unique, original gouache on paper by Erte, also known as Romain de Tirtoff. Erte was a vastly diverse artist who excelled in an array of fields including fashion, jew...
Gouache
Erté, "Phi-Phi, les Modeles de Phidias, " unique gouache, hand signed
By Erté
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is a unique gouache on paper by Erté, also known as Romain de Tirtoff. This piece was created in 1940 as a costume design for a cabaret show entitled Phi-Phi. It is from t...
Gouache
Martha, Act I (Chicago Opera), 1925
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Martha, Act I (Chicago Opera) from 1925 is a gouache on paper measuring approximately 9 x 7 inches and framed in a custom, closed-corner frame. Signed recto 'Erté' mid-right and stamped with Erte's Villa Excelsior block stamp and 'Composition originale' verso. Annotated in fountain pen verso 'No 659 Martha I acte Pour Madame Ganna Walska...
Paper, Gouache
La Princesse Lointaine, Original Gouache on Paper, Hand Signed, 1929, Art Deco
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Original on Gouache on paper. Hand signed on front; signed, titled, dated with dedication on verso. Stamped "Composition originale". Frame size 30.5 x 26.5 inches. Artwork is in e...
Gouache
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) - Manhattan Mary IV: serigraph Broadway musical
By Erté
Located in London, GB
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) (1892-1990) 'Manhattan Mary IV' Serigraph (Silk screen print) (Artist's Proof IL/L) Signed in pencil 70 x 56cm (sheet) 41.5 x 3...
Screen
$7,850
Cornucopia
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cornucopia pays homage to the great goddesses of abundance and fortune, with a modern twist – rather than showing the bounty of the earth overflowing from the horn, this Cornucopia o...
Bronze
$1,650
Sunrise
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Sunrise Year: 1984 Medium: Color serigraph, with stamped gold foil Paper: Wove Edition: Numbered 285/300 in pencil ...
Screen
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rigoletto, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Rigoletto Year: 1988 Medium: Bronze Edition: 345/375 Numbered, 37 AP Size: 8 x 7 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Incised w...
Bronze
Le Roi Yvetot, 1919 (no. 227)
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Le Roi Yvetot (no. 227) from 1919 is a gouache painting on tissue paper mounted on board. The image size is 9.25 x 6 inches, framed in a gold-tone frame, 22.5 x 19 inches. Signed recto 'Erté' lower right, in the image and annotated verso, 'Les Rois des Lègendes, No 8, Le Roi Yvetot 227'. Erte name and 'Composition originale' stamps verso. Le Roi Yvetot is a design by Erte for the 1919 theater production of Les Rois des Lègendes. The King of Yvetot William Makepeace Thackeray: 1811 –1863 There was a king of Yvetot, Of whom renown hath little said, Who let all thoughts of glory go, And dawdled half his days a-bed; And every night, as night came round, By Jenny, with a nightcap crowned, Slept very sound: Sing ho, ho, ho! and he, he, he! That's the kind of king for me. And every day it came to pass, That four lusty meals made he; And, step by step, upon an ass, Rode abroad, his realms to see; And wherever he did stir, What think you was his escort, sir? Why, an old cur. Sing ho, ho, ho! and he, he, he! If e'er he went into excess, 'Twas from a somewhat lively thirst; But he who would his subjects bless, Odd's fish!—must wet his whistle first; And sofrom every cask they got, Our king did to himself allot, At least a pot. Sing ho, ho, ho! and he, he, he! To all the ladies of the land, A courteous king, and kind, was he; The reason why you'll understand, They named him Pater Patriae. Each year he called his fighting men, And marched a...
Paper, Gouache
Love's Enchantment Limited edition silver, gold and onyx pearl & diamond brooch
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
Erte Love's Enchantment, ca. 1980 Sterling silver brooch with 14K gold, onyx background and mother of pearl woman's head set with (4) full cut round brilliant diamonds 1 1/2 in diam...
Metal, Gold, Silver
Beyla Original Gouache on Paper, Art Deco Style, Framed, Circa 1950
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
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...
Gouache
Ebony and White
By Erté
Located in Berlin, MD
Erte (Romain de Tirtoff) Russian/French 1892-1990. Pencil Signed lower right, numbered 17/300 LL. One of the most recognizable of Erte's work along with its sister piece, "Symphony ...
Lithograph
Soiree - Offset by Erté - 1980
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Soiree is an original artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) in 1980. Mixed colored exhibition poster of the artist. Signed on plate ¨Erté; inscribed i...
Offset
Le 8 Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Artist's Proof, 1968, Unframed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Le 8 is a contemporary artwork realized in 1968 by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored lithograph on paper. The artwork is from the Series "Les Chiffres" Hand signed on the lo...
Lithograph
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Alphabet 1982, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Alphabet Year: 1982 Medium: Offset lithograph on archival paper Size: 36 x 24 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed in in...
Offset
Harvest, Art Deco Screenprint by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harvest by Erté, Russian (1892–1990) Date: 1987 Embossed Screenprint with Foil, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 300, HC 8/18 Size: 16 x 29 in. (40.64 x 73.66 cm) Frame Size:...
Screen
Erté, King's Favorite, bronze sculpture
By Erté
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Erté The King's Favorite 1990 Bronze sculpture 58/375 Stamp signed in the bronze Reference: Erté The Last Works Literature: Lee, M. Erté: The Last Works. Dutton Studio Books, 1991. p...
Bronze
Capricorn, Hand Signed Screen Print, Art Deco, Edition of 350, 1982, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. From the Zodiac Suite. Framed size approx 31 x 26 inches. Artwork in excellent condition. Additional images are available upon request. Certif...
Screen, Paper
$3,475
Daydream, 1986
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Daydream is an expertly crafted, embossed serigraph on paper with foil stamping and an image size of 11.5 x 25.5 inches. From the edition of 418, the art is numbered 83/300 and signe...
Paper, Screen
Letter Q - Lithograph and Screen Print by Erté - 1977
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph and screen print. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 350. Excellent condition.
Lithograph, Screen
Plum Blossom Porcelain Plate, Art Deco, Limited Edition, 1990s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Plum Blossom Plate is an original decorative limited edition porcelain plate realized in the 1990s. This charming and very rare plate was produced for H...
Porcelain
Le 9 Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Artist's Proof, 1969, Unframed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Le 9 is a contemporary artwork realized in 1969 by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored lithograph on paper. The artwork is from the Series "Les Chiffres" Hand signed on the lo...
Lithograph
Reflection, Erté, Original Lithograph (Signed)
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
“Reflection” is a wonderful original Art Deco lithograph created by a famous Russian-born French artist Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Image size (including signature): 23 x 17 in. Framed Size: 31 x 25 in. Edition 239/300. The artwork is framed. Signed by the artist on the bottom right corner. It is in excellent condition. Known as the “Father of Art Deco,” he created elegant decorative images that are timeless in their beauty and sophistication. Clean lines of his glamorous and evocative works resemble the geometry of Classical Greek pottery and Japanese art of woodblock prints. Erté’s artworks...
Lithograph
Letter N Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter N - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork is from the suite "Letter...
Lithograph
$16,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rigoletto, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Rigoletto Year: 1988 Medium: Bronze Edition: 145/375 Size: 19.75 x 18.13 x 5.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Incised wi...
Bronze
The Dancer, Signed Art Deco Screenprint by Erté
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Erte, Russian (1892 - 1989) Title: The Dancer from the At the Theatre Suite Year: 1983 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 165/300 Image Size: 22 x 16...
Screen
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rigoletto, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Rigoletto Year: 1985 Medium: Embossed silkscreen with foil stamping on wove paper Edition: 188/300, plus proofs Size: 38 x 31.25 in...
Screen
Melisande from the At the Theatre Suite, Art Deco Lithograph by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
This glamorous screenprint was created by Russian-born French artist Erte. Erte is perhaps most famous for his elegant fashion designs which capture the art deco period in which he w...
Lithograph
"Letter Q" From the suite "Alphabet"
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Letter Q" from the suite "Alphabet" 1976, is an original colors lithograph and serigraph on Wove paper by renown Russian/French artist Erte, AKA Romain de Tirtof...
Screen, Lithograph
Aphrodite Art Deco Offset Lithograph Print on Paper, 1982, 30x24"
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Original off set lithograph (poster) in colors on paper. Sheet size 30 x 24 inches. Artwork is in excellent condition.
Paper, Offset
Leo, from the Zodiac suite
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Leo Year: 1982 Medium: Color serigraph Edition: Numbered 281/350 in pencil Image size: 17 x 12.75 inches Framed s...
Screen
Evening Creation
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Evening Creation Year: 1976 Medium: Etching Edition Numbered 53/175 in pencil Image size: 7 x 4 inches Signature: Hand ...
Etching
$2,450
Harlequin
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Harlequin" 1970, is an original colors serigraph on Wove paper by renown Russian/French artist Erte, AKA Romain de Tirtoff, 1882-1990. It is hand signed and numb...
Screen
"La Princesse Lointaine", Erte, Original Serigraph numbered 291/300, Art Deco
By Erté
Located in Dallas, TX
"La Princesse Lointaine" is a serigraph created in 1984 by Erté. Classic art deco piece with a gaudy princess in yellow and pink with a star above ...
Lithograph, Screen
Tomorrow Afternoon, Art Deco Gouache Drawing, Signed, 1951, Framed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Tomorrow afternoon is a contemporary artwork realized in 1951 by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored gouache on paper. Hand signed on the lower margin. Titled and numbered "1...
Gouache
Evening Night (large hand signed foil stamped embossed serigraph)
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Evening Night from Morning Day/Evening Night Suite. Serigraph in colors with foil stamping and embossment on wove paper. Hand signed lower right by Erte. Hand numbered CL/CL lower...
Foil
Diana, Art Deco Glass Sculpture, Limited Edition of 300, 2004
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Limited edition encased glass Art Deco vase with raised and etched design in frosted and cranberry glass colors. Holds Erte signature to lower right of figure. Stamp numbered with fo...
Glass
Letter X - Lithograph and Screen Print by Erté - 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Hand signed and numbered. Limited edition of 350 prints. From the suite “Alphabet”. Excellent condition. Lithograph/Serigraph.
Lithograph, Screen
Lady with a Rose
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Lady with a Rose Year: 1980 Medium: Color serigraph Edition: Numbered 180/300 in pencil Image size: 13.75 x 9 inches Framed size: 29.25 x 22 inches Signature: Hand signed in pencil Condition: Excellent Frame: Custom framed in a wooden silver frame, with silver color bevel and fabric matting Description: Created 1980, published 1985. With the blind stamp of the publisher, Circle Fine Art, Chicago IL at the lower left side About the artist: Romain Erte was born Romain de Tirtoff in St. Petersburg, Russia. The only son of an admiral in the Imperial Fleet, he was raised amidst Russia's social elite. As a young boy, he was fascinated by the Persian miniatures he found in his father's library. These exotic, brightly patterned designs continued to be important to him and influenced the development of his style. He moved to Paris at the age of eighteen and took the name Erte, from the French pronunciation of his initials, R and T. In 1915 he began his long relationship with Harper's Bazaar, during which time he created over 240 covers for the magazine. His fashion designs also appeared in many other publications, making him one of the most widely recognized artists of the 1920s. He also designed costumes and sets for the theater. In 1976 the French government awarded Erte the title of Officer of Arts and Letters, and in 1982 the Medaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris was bestowed upon him. His work is in many prominent museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The designs created by Erté during his long and illustrious life influenced not only the world of theatre, film and fashion, but an entire art movement as well. The genius of the artist is evidenced by an enormous body of work that is considered among the most influential and unique of the 20th century. Erté—Romain de Tirtoff—was born in Russia in 1892, and died at age 97 in 1990. His legendary career spanned nearly the entire length of his life. In 1912, Erté moved to Paris and his unique talent was immediately recognized by the city's most established couturiers. In 1915, he began an association with Harper's Bazaar by designing covers of each of their magazines for the next 22 years. The influence of his work as a result of the high visibility of this periodical influenced an entire art movement that was to become known as "Art Deco". Throughout this period, the artist also created original costume and fashion designs for many of the era's most renowned screen actresses, including Joan Crawford, Lillian Gish, Marion Davies, Anna Pavlova, Norma Shearer and others. His creations for the stage included extravagent designs for productions at such venues as New York's Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris and the Paris Opera, as well as for the Folies-Bergères and George White...
Screen
Le 4 Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist's Proof, 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Le 4 is a contemporary artwork realized in 1970s by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored lithograph on paper. The artwork is from the Series "Les Chiffres". Hand signed on the ...
Lithograph
"Melisande" from the suite "At the Theater"
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Melisande Year: 1983 Medium: Color serigraph Paper: Arches Edition: Numbered 175/300 in pencil Image size: 22.5 ...
Screen
Art Deco Serigraph entitled "Three Graces" Edition AP6/25 signed Erté
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and authentic serigraph by the renowned Art Deco master Erté (Romain de Tirtoff), titled "Three Graces." This exceptional work comes from Erté’s celebrated series of cos...
Lithograph
The Coming of the Spring
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "The Coming of Spring" 1982, is an original colors serigraph on Wove paper by renown Russian/French artist Erte, AKA Romain de Tirtoff, 1882-1990. It is hand sign...
Screen
Traviata - Rodolphe - 2nd act - Drawing by Erté - 1948
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Traviata - Rodolphe - 2nd act is a modern artwork realized in 1948 century by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored gouache on paper. Hand signed on the lower margin. Titled and numbered "9893" on the back. Includes frame Provenance : - Erté personal collection. - Serge Leeman collection. Erté is responsible for the costumes and sets for Les Mamelles de Tirésias. This opera bouffe in two acts by Francis Poulenc based on a play by Guillaume Apollinaire...
Gouache
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Latin Quarter, 1978, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Latin Quarter Year: 1978 Medium: Lithograph on premium paper Size: 27.75 x 22.75 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed by...
Lithograph
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Der RosenKavalier 1980, Erté
By Erté
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Erte, Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990) Title: Der RosenKavalier Year: 1980 Medium: Offset lithograph on archival paper Size: 26 x 20 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Sig...
Offset
Myths Suite Serigraphs, Hand Signed, Foil Stamped, Embossed, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Myths Suite (Circe & Diana). Serigraph in colors with foil stamping and embossment on wove paper. Each hand signed lower right by Erte. Each hand numbered CI/CL lower left (ma...
Foil
Rose Dancer, Art Deco Screenprint by Erté
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Erte, Russian (1892 - 1990) - Rose Dancer, Year: 1984, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 242/300, Size: 26 x 17 in. (66.04 x 43.18 cm), Frame Size: 38...
Screen
Diva II Limited Edition Porcelain Plate, Art Deco, 1990s, Unframed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Diva II Plate is an original decorative limited edition porcelain plate realized in the 1990s. This very rare plate was produced for House Of Ertè in fi...
Porcelain
La Marguerite
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork is an original gouache on Canson Mongolfier paper titled "La Marguerite," by Russian/French Artist Erte, Romain De Tirtoff, 1892-1990. It is...
Gouache
Le Rideau de l'Hiver
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Le Rideau de l'Hiver ( The Winter Curtain)" 1980 is an original color serigraph by Russian artist Erte ( Romain De Tirtoff) Russian, 1892-1990. It is hand signed...
Other Medium
Letter "S" from Alphabet Suite (Signed Erté)
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
From the celebrated Alphabet Suite, this stunning Art Deco lithograph/serigraph was designed by the Russian-born French artist and designer known by the pseudonym Erté, and produced ...
Lithograph
Freedom and Captivity, Framed Art Deco Screenprint with Foil by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Erté Title: Freedom and Captivity Year: 1982 Medium: Screenprint with Foil Stamping, Signed and Numbered in Pencil Edition: AP 57/70 Image Size: 25.5 x 18 inches Size: 32.75 ...
Foil
Eté et Hiver / Summer and Winter
By Erté
Located in Berlin, MD
Romain De Tirtoff (Erté) (Russian/French 1892-1990. Pencil Signed lower right, numbered 226/300 lower left. Deckle lower edge. American Atelier, New York with raised stamps lower l...
Lithograph