Erte
Erté was a legendary designer who helped create the glamorous look of the Art Deco era. He designed elegant costumes, jewelry, and magazine covers filled with tall, graceful figures and rich, flowing lines. If you love bold design from the early twentieth century, exploring erte art is a wonderful place to start, since his work still feels stylish and exciting nearly a hundred years later.
About the Artist
Erté was born Romain de Tirtoff on November 23, 1892, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He took his stage name from the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T. In 1912, he moved to Paris, where he began creating cover art for Harper's Bazaar magazine, eventually drawing over 200 covers full of glamorous women in flowing gowns. Many collectors today search for a single erte lithograph , since it captures his flowing Art Deco lines without needing an entire wardrobe of his original costume designs.
Why Erté Is Famous
Erté's work helped define what people now call the Art Deco style, known for its bold shapes, rich colors, and sense of glamour. His tall, elegant figures appeared everywhere, from magazine covers to jewelry to stage costumes, making him one of the most recognized designers of his time. Fans who love this look often collect erte art deco prints , since these limited editions bring his glamorous style into any room.
Why Erté's Arts Are Worth It: Investment Value
Because Erté worked in so many different mediums, collectors have plenty of ways to bring his style home, from framed prints to detailed bronze sculptures inspired by his stage costumes. He also designed dazzling pieces of jewelry inspired by his costume work, turning his glamorous sketches into wearable art. Anyone looking for erte jewelry for sale should always check for a certificate of authenticity, since this paperwork proves a piece is genuine and helps protect its value over time.
Working with an experienced, well-known gallery is the safest way to shop for his work, since a good dealer can explain a piece's history, its edition size, and how to care for it once it is yours. This way, you can enjoy your new piece with total confidence for many years to come.
Available Works at Greg Lane
Greg Lane Fine Arts carries a rotating collection of Erté prints, sculptures, and jewelry, each one checked carefully before it is offered to collectors. Every piece comes with proof that it is authentic and ready to be enjoyed at home. Contact us today to ask about a specific piece or request more photos.
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Every piece by Erté carries a bit of Art Deco history, from a single glamorous lithograph to a hand-cast bronze sculpture or a piece of statement jewelry. Greg Lane Fine Arts can help you find the right one for your collection. Reach out today to see current pieces up close, ask questions, or request more photos.
FAQ
Is Erté art a good investment?
Yes, in many cases. Because his glamorous style is so recognizable, well-documented pieces with a clear paper trail have often kept or grown in value over time.
What is the difference between an Erté lithograph and a sculpture?
A lithograph is a flat, printed image made in a limited, numbered edition. A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece, often made of bronze, based on his original designs.
How much does Erté art cost?
Prices vary depending on the piece, its rarity, and its edition size. Prints can start in the low hundreds, while rare sculptures and jewelry sell for much more.
Why is Erté considered a founder of the Art Deco style?
His bold shapes, rich colors, and elegant figures helped define the glamorous, streamlined look people now call Art Deco, influencing fashion and design for decades afterward.
Did Erté design anything besides magazine covers?
Yes. He designed costumes for the stage and film, jewelry, sculpture, and sets, making him one of the most versatile designers of the twentieth century.