Erté (Romaine de Tirtoff) (Russian-French, 1892-1990), Gala Performance

Serigraph in colors with foil, 1981, pencil signed and marked as artist's proof "AP 19/60," lower margin, matted and framed.

Frame dimensions 39 1/2 x 35 in.

An artist who was involved in a myriad of creative pursuits, Erté began his career in 1915 creating cover illustrations for Harper's Bazaar and continued with the magazine for 22 years. Blending curvilinear rhythms from Art Nouveau and the geometric motifs from Cubism and Constructivism, Erté's stylized illustrations, figures, and fashion designs were sought after by the chic and wealthy and were highly influential at the dawn of Art Deco.

In addition to his illustration career, Erté created theatrical sets for Folies-Bergere, Ziegfield Follies, George White's Scandals, The Lido, and Moulin Rouge. He created original costumes 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, Erté 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 and the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Institution, and London's Victoria & Albert Museum.

Scattered foxing; some frame wear; not examined out of frame.