Erte (Romaine de Tirtoff) (Russian-French, 1892-1990), Amants

1980, cold-painted and gilt bronze, signed and numbered edition 153/300, impressed publisher mark of Fine Art Acquisitions with Joel Meisner foundry cipher, copyrighted and dated to posterior edge. Together with Gallery purchase receipt.

18 3/4 x 7 1/4 x 8 1/2 in.

Purchased in 1993 at Deco Gallery, Washington, DC.

An artist of myriad creative pursuits, Erte began his career in 1915 creating cover illustrations for Harper's Bazaar magazine for 22 years. Blending curvilinear rhythms from Art Nouveau and the geometric motifs from Cubism and Constructivism, Erte's stylized illustrations, figures, and fashion designs were sought after by the chic and wealthy, and highly influential on the creation of the Art Deco art movement.

In addition to his illustration career, Erte created theatrical sets for Folies-Bergere, Ziegfield Follies, George White's Scandals, The Lido, and Moulin Rouge. He 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.

At the age of 75, Erte was encouraged to embark on a new career recreating the remarkable designs of his youth in bronze and serigraphy. His original designs are included in the permanent collections of many prestigious museums throughout the world including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Institution and London's Victoria & Albert Museum.

Some areas of spotting to the patina primarily along the base.