Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Maestro Erte Biography
Romain de Tirtoff, known by the pseudonym Erté, was a Russian-born French artist and designer whose work came to define the Art Deco movement. Born on November 23, 1892, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, into an aristocratic family, Erté was destined for a naval career per his father's wishes. However, his passion for art and design led him to rebel against this path and pursue his creative aspirations.
In 1910, at the age of 18, Erté moved to Paris, which was then the epicenter of the art world. His unique talent quickly garnered attention, and in 1913, he secured a job with the famous French couturier Paul Poiret. This role allowed Erté to hone his skills in fashion design, setting the stage for his future success.
Erté's career took a significant leap forward when he began working for Harper's Bazaar magazine in 1915. Over the next two decades, he designed over 200 covers for the publication, along with numerous illustrations. His work for Harper's Bazaar, characterized by elegantly stylized forms and a lavish use of color, became emblematic of the Art Deco style and had a profound influence on the fashion and design of the era.
Erté's creativity was not limited to magazine covers. He also designed sets and costumes for theater and film, working with entertainment giants such as Louis B. Mayer and MGM. His theatrical designs were seen in productions at the Follies Bergère, the Lido, and the Café de Paris. Erté's work in this field was marked by a blend of fantasy, sophistication, and opulence, which captivated audiences and further cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the Art Deco movement.
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought challenges to many artists, but Erté's prudent financial management allowed him to continue living a life of luxury, known for his bespoke suits adorned with pearls and furs. Despite the economic downturn, he continued to receive commissions, including from the Paris impresario Mitty Goldin for the Theatre ABC, where he may have contributed to the theater's decor.
Erté's influence extended beyond fashion and theater. He was a prolific creator of original graphic works, including lithographs and serigraphs. His art pieces often featured harmonious compositions, graceful figures, and a blend of classical and contemporary motifs, which made them highly collectible.
Throughout his career, Erté never ceased to innovate and explore new mediums. He designed jewelry, furniture, and interior decorations, all of which bore his distinctive style. His work was not only a reflection of the Art Deco movement but also a significant contributor to its popularity and spread across the globe.
Erté's legacy is vast, with his works held in prestigious museum collections and continuing to influence designers and artists. His art has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, celebrating his contribution to the visual arts and design.
Erté lived a long and productive life, continuing to create art until his death at the age of 97 on April 21, 1990. His work remains a testament to the enduring appeal of Art Deco and the power of design to transcend time. Erté's vision and creativity made him a maestro of his craft, and his influence on the world of art and design will be felt for generations to come.
Maestro Erte Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: