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.
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
1910's Art Deco Erte Gouache Painting Original Hand Signed Rare French Costume
By Erté
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare original signed Art Deco gouache on paper by Erte (Romain de Tirtoff) . This stunning theatrical costume design is signed Erte at the lower right. The piece is 20 by 18 fram...
Gouache, Archival Paper, Pencil
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
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
La Princesse Lointaine: Porteurs d' Eventails (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
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
LA PRINCESSE LOINTAINE: LES FEMMES DE MILISSINDE
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
Troisemmè Dame, 1919
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Troisemmè Dame from 1919 is a gouache painting on paper, 12 x 9.5 inches, framed in a custom, closed-corner, Art Deco frame to 20.25 x 18 inches. Signed recto 'Erté' mid lower right ...
Paper, 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
Untitled Fashion Design, 1920
By Erté
Located in Greenwich, CT
Untitled (Fashion Design) was created for Harper's Bazar and appeared in the February, 1920 edition of the magazine. This is a gouache painting on tissue paper measuring approximately 10 x 6.5 inches and framed in a custom, closed-corner Art Deco...
Paper, Gouache
$2,845Sale Price|25% Off
The Dancer - Tempera by Erté - 1970s
By Erté
Located in Roma, IT
The Dancer 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
$3,200Sale Price|25% Off
Masc Regis - Tempera by Erté - 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
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
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
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
$2,962Sale Price|25% Off
Cosi Fan Tutte Fleurdelise (original gouache on paper)
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 with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 15 x 10.5 inch...
Gouache
Final - La Gamme - Russian Art Deco Fashion Design
By Erté
Located in London, GB
ERTE (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 St. Petersburg 1892-1990 (Russian/French) Title: Final - La Gamme Technique: Original Hand Signed Gouache on paper size: 31.4 x 15.4 cm / 12.4...
Gouache
$2,962Sale Price|25% Off
BEYLA (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
$3,500
H 25.5 in W 20.25 in
Ladies in a Church Yard in Shady Afternoon, Early 20th Century Cleveland School
By Henry Keller
Located in Beachwood, OH
Henry George Keller (American, 1869-1949) Ladies in a Church Yard Watercolor and gouache on paper Signed lower left with monogram 15 x 20 inches 25.5 x 20.25 inches, framed Keller, ...
Watercolor, Gouache
Chanteuse Esagmole
By Eller (Lucien Roudier)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
LUCIEN ROUDIER ELLER 1894-1940 “CHANTEUSE ESPAGNOLE” MIXED MEDIA, SIGNED FRENCH, C.1925 27.25 X 38.5 INCHES Lucien Roudier Eller 1894-1940 It is thought the name Eller was a combina...
Watercolor, Gouache
$1,765
H 18.51 in W 13.39 in D 0.89 in
Framed Art Nouveau Period Painting A Greek Love Affair Theseus And Ariadne
By Antoine Calbet
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Follower of Antoine Calbet. French ( b.1860 - d.1944 ). Theseus and Ariadne, Circa 1890 - 1910. Mixed Media. Watercolour, Gouache & Pastel Image size 16.5 inches x 11.2 inches ( 42cm...
Paper, Pastel, Watercolor, Gouache
$4,439
H 56 in W 36.5 in
Tree and Courtyard - 20th Century Painting with Tree and Buildings
By James Lloyd
Located in Kingsclere, GB
Lloyd was born in Alsager, Cheshire, the son of a policeman who had taken up farming. He had worked on his father's farm until the age of 19, when he too joined the police force. Llo...
Ink, Watercolor, Gouache, Pen, Pencil
Fall Courtship
By Vicente García de Paredes
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Born in Valencia, Spain in 1845, 19th century impressionist Vicente García de Paredes studied at the School of Fine Arts in Valencia, in Madr...
Watercolor, Gouache
Emile's Tavern
By Lucien Génin
Located in London, GB
'Emile's Tavern', gouache on paper (circa 1930s), by Lucien Génin. A tavern in French is called a 'guinguette'. With the rise in living standards from the 1860s along with the develo...
Paper, Gouache
$1,311Sale Price|40% Off
H 17.6 in W 14.06 in
Church of Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet in Paris
By Lucien Génin
Located in London, GB
'The Church of Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet, Paris', gouache on art paper by Lucien Génin (circa 1930s). In Paris' 5th Arrondissement the site in which Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet is ...
Paper, Gouache
Les sisters by Erté
By Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Located in New Orleans, LA
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French Les sisters Signed “Erté” (lower right) Gouache on paper Designed for a performance of Moi, J’aime le Music-Hall, Erté’s Les sis...
Paper, Gouache
$185
H 16 in W 12 in D 0.13 in
A Striking 1940s Fashion Study of a Women’s Hat & Coat, Marshall Field & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking, vintage early 1940s fashion study featuring a stylish young woman dressed in an elegantly designed hat and coat, most likely a study for a print advertisement illustratio...
Pencil, Paper, Watercolor
$2,962Sale Price|25% Off
H 25 in W 20 in D 1 in
Cosi Fan Tutte Fleurdelise (original gouache on paper)
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 with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 15 x 10.5 inch...
Gouache
$6,500
H 29.5 in W 21.25 in
Fashion Illustration of Elegant woman in Bob Mackie dress perhaps for Cher
By Michaele Vollbracht
Located in Miami, FL
Most likely done for Cher. Gouache and watercolor on Arches paper. There is some minor undulation of the paper suface but only visible under raking light. Nicely framed and read...
Watercolor, Gouache
$50,000
H 25.5 in W 30.5 in
Futurist Vision - Mid-Century New York Skyline - Industrial Progress
Located in Miami, FL
Rarely do you come across a work of art that is vastly different than just about anything you see. This work is undeniably brilliant and a sheer pleasure to behold. Alexander Leydenfrost...
Gouache, Board, Graphite, Charcoal
Sold
H 12.5 in W 10.5 in D 1.25 in
Art Deco Original Costume Design Crystal Headdress Gouache Painting signed Erté
By Erté
Located in New York, NY
This captivating original gouache painting, signed by the iconic Art Deco artist Erté, features a stunning headdress design that exemplifies his unparalleled vision and creative soph...
Paint
La Prêtresse by Erté
By Erté
Located in New Orleans, LA
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 Russian-French La Prêtresse - Danseuse sacréeThe Priestess - Sacred Dancer Signed "Erté" (lower right) Inscribed "Les Rois des Légendes / N°3 / L...
Silver
MADELEINE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
UNTITLED (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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 with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.75 x 7.75 inches. ...
Gouache
MADELEINE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
GRETA (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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 with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.75 x 7.75 i...
Gouache
CLAUDINE LILIANE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
GERMAINE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
UNTITLED (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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 with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.75 x 7.75 inches. ...
Gouache
GINETTE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
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
LA PRINCESSE LOINTAINE: LES FEMMES DE MILISSINDE
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Original gouache on paper. Hand signed on front; signed, titled, dated and dedicated on verso. Stamped "Composition originale". Sheet size 15 x 11 inches. Frame size 30.5 x 26.5...
Gouache, Paper
Sold
H 20 in W 18 in
1910's Art Deco Erte Gouache Painting Original Hand Signed Rare French Nude
By Erté
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare original signed Art Deco gouache on paper by Erte (Romain de Tirtoff) . This stunning nude in a costume design is signed Erte. The piece is 19 by 17 framed. It comes in a s...
Gouache, Archival Paper, Pencil