Born Romain de Tirtoff (1892–1990) in St. Petersburg, Russia, to an aristocratic family, the artist known as Erté — a pseudonym derived from the French pronunciation of his initials — was a Renaissance man of the art and design world. He worked in graphic arts, interior design, fashion, jewelry and set design for the stage and silver screen, becoming a leader of the Art Deco style.
Moving to Paris in 1912, Erté worked as a fashion designer under couturier Paul Poiret before securing a job with Harper’s Bazaar as a cover artist. Over 22 years, Erté created more than 240 magazine covers alongside his ongoing work in fashion design.
Extending his prolific career into theater sets, costumes, prints and lithographs, Erté became one of the most famous artists of the era. His style — a combination of the nature-inspired flourishes of Art Nouveau and bold, geometric linework — directly contributed to the birth of Art Deco, earning him the nickname “the Father of Art Deco.”
After a lull of creative production in the 1940s and 1950s, Erté reentered the public eye in the 1960s, when a renewed interest in Art Deco had taken shape.
Creating colorful lithographs, bold serigraphs (silk-screen prints) and bronze sculptures, he contributed to a resurgence of the style in France and beyond. This late-life acclaim for his art led to exhibitions in museums and galleries all over the world as well as his first published monograph in 1970. That same year he was awarded the title of Chevalier du Mérite Artistique et Cultural and in 1976 was named Officier des Arts et Lettres by the French government.
Today, Erté’s works are in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and LACMA in Los Angeles.
On 1stDibs, browse a collection of Erté art, including fine art prints, paintings and other works.
Bugatti Type 46 Art Deco Lithograph Poster by René Vincent Framed
By Rene Vincent
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental and visually striking vintage lithograph poster depicting the iconic Bugatti Type 46, originally designed in the 1930s by renowned French Art Deco illustrator René Vincent...
Wood, Paper
Hand-Painted Enamel Floral Painting, Spanish School, 20th Century, Signed Maciel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A vibrant hand-painted enamel on metal attributed to the Spanish School, 20th century. This striking floral still life depicts an overflowing bouquet in vivid, high-gloss colors set ...
Enamel
Woodblock Print Titled "Snake Mexico" By Hodaka Yoshida, Japan 1956
By Hodaka Yoshida
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artist: Hodaka Yoshida (1926-1995) Country of Origin: Japan Medium: Woodblock Introducing the stunning Woodblock Print Titled "Snake Mexico" By Hodaka Yoshida, Japan 1956, a true masterpiece of Japanese artistry. This gorgeous woodblock print features an abstract design printed on high-quality paper, with striking black and brown colors that are beautifully accented with splashes of vibrant red on the snake which is the center of this masterpiece. The intricate details and intricate composition of this piece make it an excellent addition to any art collection or interior décor. Created by the renowned Japanese artist Hodaka Yoshida in 1956 after his trip to Mexico and exposure to pre-Colombian art...
Paper
Vintage Mercedes Benz Stuttgart Lithograph Poster Framed Art Deco
By Schreiber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Striking and highly decorative vintage lithograph advertising poster for Mercedes-Benz, featuring an early Daimler motorcar set within a refined European cityscape, likely Stuttgart—...
Wood, Paper
Mary Turnbull “Come Wonder” Signed Original Oil and 22k Gold Leaf Painting, 20th
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning and luminous original painting by Mary Turnbull (American, d. 2010), titled “Come Wonder”. Executed in oil over 22k gold leaf on Masonite, this work shimmers with radiant ...
Gold Leaf
Original William Verdult Serigraph Titled "Some Thoughts"
By W.M. Verdult
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original serigraph by William Verdult titled "Some Thoughts" The piece is hand signed by the artist and it comes with a certificate of authenticity. Measurements: 42" wide x 36" ...
Paint
Vintage Framed L 'Opera Signed Silk Scarf By Erte
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Framed L 'Opera Signed Silk Scarf By Erte A Beautiful Piece of Wall Art to Start or Add to an Already Existing High End Luxurious Collection. L'Opera, depicting two ladies, ...
Silk
Erte In The Evening Signed Contemporary Art Deco Serigraph on Paper Framed 1981
By Erté
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A contemporary figurative serigraph with silver embossed embellishments titled "In the Evening" by the Father of Art Deco, Erte. Hand signed in pencil on the lower right with an anno...
Paper
Roberto Tortoli French Art Deco Style Color Lithograph
By Erté
Located in Miami, FL
A fine decorative color lithograph in the French Art Deco style. Signed and Numbered. Presented in a custom Hollywood Regency style frame. Measures: 27 1/4" W x 33 1/4' H x 2" D Provenance: contemporary art gallery in New York City. About the artist: Roberto Tortoli...
Glass, Paper
Roman De Tirtoff, Erte’, Framed Silk Scarf Titled “Dream Voyage” 1982
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
Roman de Tirtoff, Also know as Erte’, frames silk scarf titled “Dream Voyage”. Gloss black lacquer frame with plexiglass glaze. Circa 1982 chinoiserie...
Silk, Plexiglass, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Original Painting "La Violan" by Erté
By Erté
Located in London, GB
A very fine Mid-20th Century original gouache painted costume design for a theatrical musical production. Mounted in modern silver coloured frame and signed Erté. Additional information Framed Height: 53 cm Framed Width: 39 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition circa: 1950 Materials: Gouache About Erté’s words ” In fashion- creating forms for living people-in the design of furniture, in the design of theatrical settings and costumes, in the design of jewellery, one is functioning in three dimensions, and all this work in the round can be considered sculptural. In this sense, my theatrical settings are large environmental sculptures...
Paper
Erte Harmony 1980's
By Erté
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
The artist Roman de Tiltov, known as ERTE. A Russian designer active throughout the 20th century across a wide range of fields—including illustration, costume design for opera, balle...
Paper
