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.
$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
$1,416Sale Price|20% Off
Letter N Serigraph from Alphabet Suite, Hand Signed, 198/350, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper from the Alphabet Suite. Hand signed by Erte lower right. Hand numbered 198/350 lower left. Sheet size: 25.25 x 18.62 inches. Image size: 15.75 x 10....
Screen, Paper
$2,300
Riviera
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Riviera Year: 1979 Medium: Color serigraph Edition: Numbered LXXXV/CLXXXII in pencil Image size: 20 x 14.25 inches Framed size: 38.25 x 32.5 inches Signature: Hand signed in pencil Condition: Excellent Frame: Custom framed in a wooden silver frame, with silver color bevel and fabric matting Description: With the blind stamp of the publisher, Circle Fine Art, Chicago IL at the lower left corner. Referenced and pictured in the artist catalogue raisonne, Erte at 95, The Complete Graphic Work by Martin Lee, plate #121. 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
Letter Z Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Z - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork i...
Screen, Lithograph
Letter F - Lithograph and Screen Print by Erté - 1977
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Edition of 350 pieces. The twenty-six letters of the Alfabet were executed in the dual mediums of lithograph and screen print. Hand signed and numbered in pencil by the Artist.
Lithograph, Screen
$12,850
La Mystérieuse
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
La Mystérieuse was inspired by Erté’s design for a wedding gown published in Harper’s Bazar in 1923. Erté wrote, “The name comes from the effect of mystery of this exquisite outfit. The dress was designed to be in white crêpe embroidered with geometric designs in silver and adorned with snow-white ermine...
Bronze
Letter F Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter F - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork i...
Lithograph
The Letter 'C' from the Alphabet Suite, Signed Art Deco Screenprint 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 ...
Screen
$936Sale Price|20% Off
Monte Carlo Serigraph, Art Deco Style, Hand Signed, 1980s, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper. Hand signed lower right by Erte. Hand numbered 325/350 lower left. Sheet size: 25 x 18.5 inches. Frame size: 28 x 23 inches. Published by Chalk &am...
Paper, Screen
Raspoutine, Costume d'Hiver
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork, titled "Raspoutine, Costume d'Hiver," is an original gouache on Canson Montgolfier paper by Russian/French artist Erte, Romain De Tirtoff, 1892-1990. It is hand signed ...
Gouache
$4,600
La Violette
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork, titled "La violette" 1958, is an original gouache on Canson Montgolfier paper by Russian/French artist Erte, Romain De Tirtoff, 1892-1990. It is hand signed in black in...
Gouache
Three Faces, Art Deco Serigraph by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Erte, Russian (1892 - 1989) Title: Three Faces Medium: Serigraph, Signed and Numbered in pencil Edition: 92/260 Size: 24 x 18.5 inches Frame: 33 x 27 inches
Screen
Bayadère Screen Print, Hand Signed Artist's Proof, Contemporary, 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Bayadère is a modern artwork realized in 1970s by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored screen print. Hand signed on the lower margin. Artist's proof Provenance : - Collectio...
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
La Traviata - Dancer of the Bohemian Ballet - 3rd Act - Drawing by Erté - 1948
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
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 ...
Gouache
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
$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
Norina's Room, Gouache on Paper, Signed, Contemporary, 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Norina's Room is an artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Gouache on paper, hand signed lower right. Titled on rear. cm. 28x18 Good conditions. Romain de Tirtoff, know...
Gouache
$2,600
Therese
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: Therese Year: Circa 1935 Medium: Gouache on paper Paper size: 14.5 x 10.5 inches Signature: Signed lower right ...
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...
Gouache, Paper
Letter S - 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
Letter E Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter E - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork i...
Lithograph
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 Fonctionaire, Elle
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: La Fonctionaire, Elle. Year: February 26 1962 Medium: Original gouache Paper: Canson Mongolfier Size paper: 14.75 x ...
Gouache
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
$14,850
The Hunting
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
The Hunting is a sculptural interpretation of Autumn, a lithograph from Erté’s The Four Seasons. It represents a beautiful creature – half woman, half animal – wounded by a cruel hun...
Bronze
Letter Y Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Y - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork i...
Screen, Lithograph
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Marriage Dance Embossed Serigraph, Hand Signed, 33x39 Inches, 1990
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Marriage Dance, from Love and Passion suite. Embossed serigraph with foil stamping on paper. Hand signed lower right by Erte. Hand numbered CLXXV/CLXXV lower left. Sheet size: 29...
Foil
Letter Q Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter Q - 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
Le 2 Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Signed Artist's Proof, 1960s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Le 2 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 l...
Lithograph
Letter I Lithograph by Erté, Contemporary, Artist Proof, 1976
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter I - 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, Screen
The Temptress - Lithograph by Erté - 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
The Temptress is a modern artwork realized in 1970s by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed colored lithograph. Hand signed on the lower margin. On the lower margin « HC ». Provenanc...
Lithograph
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 U Lithograph by Erté, Artist Proof, 1976, Unframed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Letter U - from the suite Letters of the Alphabet is a contemporary artwork realized by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Lithograph and Screen Print. The artwork i...
Lithograph
La Merveilleuse - Porcelain Collector Plate - 1990
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
La Merveilleuse Plate is an original decorative limited edition porcelain plate realized in the 1990s. This very rare plate was produced for House Of Ertè...
Porcelain
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Hindu Princess Embossed Serigraph, Hand Signed, XLIX/CCL, Art Deco
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Embossed serigraph with foil stamping on paper. Hand signed lower right by Erte. Hand numbered XLIX/CCL lower left. Sheet size: 29.5 x 40.5 inches. Frame size: 41 x 52 inches. P...
Foil
Elegant Lithograph Print, Art Deco Style, Signed, 20th Century, 27.5"
By Erté
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Erte (Romain de Tirtoff) (Russian, 1892 – 1990) Elegant, 1990 Lithograph Signed ‘Erte’ in pencil (lower right) 27.1/2 x 22.1/4 in. (70 x 56.5 cm.) (sheet size)
Lithograph
$1,416Sale Price|20% Off
Letter W Serigraph from Alphabet Suite, Hand Signed, Edition OF 350, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors on paper from the Alphabet Suite. Hand signed by Erte lower right. Hand numbered 172/350 lower left. Sheet size: 25.5 x 18.62 inches. Image size: 15.75 x 10....
Paper, Screen
Signed Art Deco lithograph by Erte, Manhattan Mary III, 1979
By Erté
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Erte (Romain de Tirtoff) (Russian, 1892 – 1990) Manhattan Mary III, 1979 Lithograph Signed ‘Erte’ in pencil (lower right) 27.1/2 x 22.1/4 in. (70 x 56....
Lithograph
Art Deco "Woman and Window" Pen & Ink Drawing on Paper signed Erté
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
This original pen and ink drawing on paper, titled “Woman and Window,” is a rare and captivating example of Erté’s (Romain de Tirtoff’s) early work, showcasing his signature elegance...
Ink
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
French Rooster, Erté, Original Lithograph (Signed)
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
“French Rooster” is a wonderful original Art Deco lithograph created by a famous Russian-born French artist Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Image size (including signature): 24 x 19 in. Framed Size: 31 x 25 in. Edition 175/260. 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
Lovers and Idol, Art Deco Screenprint by Erte
By Erté
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Erte, Russian (1892 - 1989) Title: Lovers and Idol Year: 1980 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 106/300 Image Size: 1...
Screen
The Letter I from the Alphabet Suite, Art Deco Screenprint 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...
Screen
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
The Letter 'C' from the Alphabet Suite, Art Deco Screenprint 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 ...
Screen
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Copacabana (large hand signed foil stamped embossed serigraph)
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Serigraph in colors with foil stamping and embossment on wove paper. Hand signed lower right by Erte. Hand numbered 154/300 lower left. Sheet size: 34 x 29 inches. Frame size: 43...
Foil
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
On the Avenue Bronze Sculpture, Art Deco, Signed, 1989, Edition of 375
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Bronze sculpture.. Incised artist signature; stamp numbered with foundry and date. Edition: Of 375. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Artwork is in excellent condition. All...
Bronze
Untitled Fashion Design, 1919
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
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...
Paper, Gouache
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
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
Erte (Roman de Tirtoff) Original Set Design for the Opera Dreams of Vienna
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Erte Roman de Tirtoff:1892-1990. Well listed and very important Russian artist. Most famous for his set decorations and art deco design. He has an auction result high of $45,000 for ...
Gouache
l' Oeuf a Gober
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: (Romain De Tirtoff) Erte (Russian, 1892-1990) Title: l' Oeuf a Gober Year: 1958 Medium: Original gouache Paper: Canson Mongolfier Paper size: 14.2 x 10.65 inches Signa...
Gouache
Madame De Chateaubedeau
By Erté
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork, titled "Madame De Chateaubedeau," circa 1935, is an original gouache by Russian/French artist Erte, Romain De Tirtoff 1892-1990. It is hand sig...
Gouache
Nature's Vanity Hand Signed Screen Print, Art Deco, 1982, Edition of 300, Framed
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Hand signed and numbered by the artist. Image size 25 x 18 inches. Sheet size 32 x 24 inches. Framed as pictured. Frame size approx. 38 x 30 inches. Artwork is in excellent conditi...
Screen, Paper
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
Letter O - 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
Letter U - Lithograph and Screen Print by Erté - 1950
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Hand signed and numbered. Edition of 350 prints. Near perfect conditions. From the suite "Alphabet". Edition 191/350.
Lithograph, Screen
Belle de Nuit Bronze Sculpture, Art Deco Style, Signed, Edition of 375
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Incised signature by the artist and stamp numbered with foundry and date. Additional images are available upon request. Certificate of Authenticity is included. Please do not hesitat...
Bronze
Masc Regis Tempera Painting by Erté, Contemporary, Signed, 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Masc Regis is a modern artwork realized in 1970s by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff). Mixed clored tempera on paper. Hand signed on the lower margin. Provenance: Coll. G. Carandente, Roma...
Tempera
Le 3 Contemporary Lithograph, Signed Artist's Proof, 1968, Unframed
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
Le 3 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