Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Danseuses Signed “Erté”(lower right) Inscribed "No. 12.658 / Groupe du Danseuses" (en verso) Gouache on paper This striking monochromatic ensemble designed by Erté features an asymmetric bodysuit, evoking the duality of the eastern Yin and Yang symbol. Intricate foliate patterns adorn the torso, where black and white elements are artfully juxtaposed. This elegant yet daring costume was designed for performers at Bal Tabarin and perfectly matches the allure and sophistication of the famed venue. Founded in 1904 by musician Auguste Bosc, Bal Tabarin rose to prominence as one of the most popular Parisian cabarets of the Belle Époque era. Renowned for its extravagant entertainment offerings and bohemian clientele, the Bal Tabarin attracted luminary performances from the likes of Josephine Baker, Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier and many more. Beyond its live acts, the cabaret gained silver screen recognition and was featured in films like "Moulin Rouge" (1952) and "Funny Face" (1957). Although the Bal Tabarin shuttered its doors in 1967, its legacy endures as a cultural cornerstone in Paris’ lustrous creative scene. Russian-French visionary Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), popularly known as Erté, began his artistic journey in the culturally rich city of St. Petersburg, where he developed an early fondness for ballet and theatrical performances. He moved to Paris in 1912 to study architecture, and quickly found his creative niche in crafting fantastical costumes for the city’s bustling nightlife. Erté‘s expertise, refined under the guidance of the famed Paul Poiret, captured the attention of Harper’s Bazaar, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that spanned from 1915 to 1936. The artist also designed sets for notable cinematic masterpieces including Ben Hur and La Bohème, and created sets and costumes for cabarets, operas and other performances at the Folies-Bergères, Bal Tabarin, the Théâtre du Bataclan and Le Casino de Paris. Often remembered as the “Father of Art Deco,” Erté was a trailblazer whose colorful creations shaped the groundbreaking Art Deco era more than any other, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art and design. His artworks reside in prestigious museum collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Painted 1953 Paper: 14 1/2” high by 10” wide Frame: 20 3/4” high by 16 7/8” wide by 5/8" deep Exhibitions: M.S. Rau, New Orleans, Erté and the Era of Art Deco, October 14, 2023 - January 3, 2024 Provenance: Private collection, Paris M.S. Rau, New Orleans
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