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About the Work
"May" is an expertly crafted, embossed serigraph on paper with foil stamping created by Erté in 1990 as a part of his 'Printemps' series. From the edition of 650, the artwork is estate-stamped 'Erté' lower right. The image size is 27 x 22" and the artwork is framed in a contemporary, black frame. The artwork ships framed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The 'Printemps' series features "April", "May", and "June" individually as well as combined in one print with the 'Printemps' title. Originally a costume design for the scene Les Rois de Legendes at the Folies Bergere in the early 1930s, the image celebrates feminine grace and the joy of life. Erté’s designs for the Folies Bergere are considered among his finest work and were said to represent exquisite color and form that was endlessly inventive, even in the smallest details. His chic illustrations portrayed models in elaborate poses adorned in exquisite jewelry, gold and elegant materials alongside a backdrop of an Art Deco style interior.
In the 'Printemps' series, Erté also makes use of another very typical Art Deco element – the symmetrical pattern. The central figure, May, in a gossamer pink gown, is flanked by April and June in delicate white flowing dresses. Each embodies refined beauty and feminine grace while their light-hearted dance indicates a celebration of spring, the season of rebirth and renewal.
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything” – William Shakespeare, Sonnet XCVIII
This work is published by Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts, an affiliate of Martin Lawrence Galleries, no prior ownership.
About the Artist
Erté was born Romain de Tirtoff in St. Petersburg, Russia on November 23rd, 1892 and was raised amidst Russia's social elite. At the age of five he created an evening gown for his mother and managed to persuade the adults to craft it, they were astounded by the results. In 1912, Romain left St. Petersburg for Paris at the age of nineteen with the aim of becoming an artist. After working with Paul " Le Magnifique" Poiret on several theatrical productions Romain, still under the pseudonym of Erte, began to work more independently. He hand-crafted original costume and fashion designs for many of the era’s most renowned actresses, including Joan Crawford, Lillian Gish, Marion Davies, Anna Pavlova, Norma Shearer, and others. His masterpieces for the stage included extravagant production designs at venues such as New York’s Radio City Music Hall, the Casino de Paris, and the Paris Opera. In 1915 he began his long professional relationship with Harper's Bazaar and created 240 covers for the esteemed magazine. For 6 months in 1916, Erté simultaneously worked with Vogue as well. As a result of his highly publicized success, Erté would later be called the father of the ‘Art Deco’ movement.
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