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"I started work in the graphic medium rather late in life. I think that graphics is a form of
expression that is very close to my heart because it was the medium with which I made my reappearance in the broad,
international world of art." — Erté
The designs created by Erté during his long and illustrious life influenced not
only the world of theatre, film and fashion, but an entire art movement as well. The genius of the artist
is evidenced by an enormous body of work that is considered among the most influential and unique of the
20th century. Erté—Romain de Tirtoff—was born in Russia in 1892, and died at age 97 in
1990. His legendary career spanned nearly the entire length of his life. In 1912, Erté moved to
Paris and his unique talent was immediately recognized by the city’s most established couturiers.
In 1915, he began an association with Harper’s Bazaar by designing covers of each of their magazines
for the next 22 years. The influence of his work as a result of the high visibility of this periodical
influenced an entire art movement that was to become known as “Art Deco”. Throughout this period,
the artist also 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.
His creations for the stage included extravagent designs for productions at such venues as New York’s
Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris and the Paris Opera, as well as for the Folies-Bergères
and George White’s Scandals. |
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