Manon (Deuxième Tableau, #7), 1920

"Manon (Deuxième Tableau, #7)" is a gouache on paper painting created by Erté in 1920. The artwork is signed 'Erté' center right, and numbered and titled in Erté's hand verso - "Manon Deuxième tableau No 7 VIII - 1920 Pour Mme ganna Walska'. It is stamped with Erté's name and address along with the 'Composition originale' stamp verso. The artwork ships framed in a custom closed-corner Art Deco frame and has a framed size of 20 x 18.25".

Created in 1920, “Manon (Deuxième Tableau, #7)” is a refined example of Erté’s theatrical costume designs, revealing his gift for transforming historical reference into images of enduring elegance. Executed in gouache on paper, the work depicts Manon Lescaut in the splendor of eighteenth-century dress, rendered with meticulous attention to period detail and unmistakable Art Deco stylization.

Manon’s gown is composed in a sophisticated palette. A bluish gray skirt is adorned with repeating orange floral wreaths that enclose white doves, symbols of love and innocence. The golden yellow bodice is trimmed with ribbons and delicate ornament, culminating in a square neckline characteristic of the Rococo era. The silhouette, with its fitted waist and voluminous skirt, evokes courtly France while distilling its richness into a crisp, graphic composition.

The title refers to the celebrated story of ‘Manon Lescaut,’ first published by Abbé Prévost and later adapted into operas by Massenet and Puccini. The designation “Deuxième Tableau” indicates that the costume was conceived for a specific scene within a theatrical production, likely one portraying Manon at the height of her allure and social ascent. The narrative of Manon, defined by romance, ambition, and tragedy, offered fertile ground for lavish staging and expressive costume.

Erté captures the psychological tension central to the character. The doves suggest innocence and longing, while the opulent gown reflects seduction by wealth and status. This interplay between purity and luxury animates the design with emotional depth, elevating it beyond decorative study.

Created during a formative period when Erté was designing for leading theaters in Paris and London, the work reflects the moment he established himself as a preeminent stylist of the stage. His theatrical designs influenced not only performance but also fashion and illustration for decades.

“Manon” stands as both a historical document and a timeless work of art. With its luminous color and balanced composition, it exemplifies Erté’s ability to unite history, narrative, and refined modern design into an image of lasting sophistication.