Erte 'Emerald Vase'

"I started work in the graphic medium rather late in life. I think that graphics is a form of expression that is very close to my heart because it was the medium with which I made my reappearance in the broad, international world of art."
Erté

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. ErtéRomain de Tirtoffwas 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 citys most established couturiers. In 1915, he began an association with Harpers 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 eras 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 Yorks Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris and the Paris Opera, as well as for the Folies-Bergres and George Whites Scandals.

At the age of 75, Erté was encouraged to embark on a new career and began to recreate the remarkable designs of his youth in bronze and serigraphy. The Art Deco movement was hence reborn. A lifetime of international success and recognition has ensured this unique artist's place in the annals of art history, and his original designs grace the permanent collections of prestigious museums throughout the world including New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Institution and Londons Victoria & Albert Museum