Fine Art M.S. Rau | Stormy Weather By Erte

Erté (Romain De Tirtoff)
1892-1990 | Russian-French

Stormy Weather

Signed “Erté”(Lower Left)
Inscribed “18.376” (En Verso)
Gouache On Paper

Erté’S Scenic Design For A Theatrical Presentation Called Stormy Weather Showcases A Central Figure Elegantly Attired In Weather-Resistant Clothing, Standing Beneath A Vibrant Umbrella From Which Gem-Like Rain Appears To Cascade. Flanking This Central Figure Are Dancers, Their Elegance Framed By Two Men In Rain Gear Engrossed In Newspapers. The Monochromatic Backdrop Serves A Dual Purpose: It Not Only Emphasizes The Intricate Attire Of The Dancers But Also Enhances The Illusion Of Rainfall Through The Inclusion Of Twinkling Lights.

The Artist, 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 &Amp; Albert Museum In London And The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art.

Painted 1974

Paper: 7 1/4“ High X 12” Wide Each
Frame: 13 1/8“ High X 17 5/8” Wide X 3/4″ Deep

Exhibitions:
M.S. Rau, New Orleans, Erté And The Era Of Art Deco, October 14, 2023 – January 3, 2024

Provenance:
The Artist’S Personal Collection
Private Collection, Paris
M.S. Rau, New Orleans