Erté, born Romain de Tirtoff in St. Petersburg, Russia, was a visionary artist, fashion designer, and illustrator whose elegant Art Deco style helped define the visual culture of the early 20th century. His pseudonym “Erté” derives from the French pronunciation of his initials, R.T.
After moving to Paris in 1912, Erté became a leading designer for Harper’s Bazaar, where his stylized covers and illustrations epitomized modern glamour. He also designed costumes and sets for theater, opera, and film, collaborating with the Folies Bergère, the Paris Opera, and Hollywood studios. His work embodied sophistication and luxury, with graceful figures, flowing drapery, and ornate geometric motifs that came to symbolize the Art Deco era.
In the 1960s, a renewed global interest in Art Deco brought Erté back to prominence, and he began creating limited-edition prints, sculptures, and fashion designs that reintroduced his signature aesthetic to new audiences. His works have been exhibited worldwide and are included in the collections of major museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Erté’s influence on design, illustration, and fashion remains profound. His art continues to represent timeless elegance, celebrating beauty, theatricality, and the fusion of art and style.
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