The Woman and the Devil (#643), 1923 by Erté

The Woman and the Devil (#643), 1923

Name: The Woman and the Devil (#643), 1923
Brand: Erté
Availability: InStock

Erté

Medium: gouache on heavy paper

Signature: signed 'Erté' center right, dated, titled and numbered on verso

Framed size: 23.75 x 22"

Price on Request

15513581

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300__P-Image_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_ORERT064300_OR0001_sm_d24f78a8-c294-41ad-a5f9-44e85b0aaef2.jpg?v=1754076169

0.781

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300__P-Image_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_ORERT064300_OR0001_sm_d24f78a8-c294-41ad-a5f9-44e85b0aaef2.jpg?v=1754076169 0.781

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Framed_Art_ORERT064300_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_OR0001.jpg?v=1754076273 0.9335

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Corner_1_ORERT064300_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_OR0001_corner.jpg?v=1754076273 1.0005

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Detail_Shot_1_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_ORERT064300_OR0001_detail.jpg?v=1754076273 1.3997760358342666

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Signature_Image_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_ORERT064300_OR0001_sig.jpg?v=1754076273 1.4001128668171559

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Verso_The_Woman_and_the_Devil_1923_ORERT064300_OR0001_verso_sm.jpg?v=1774988821 0.7795

//martinlawrence.com/cdn/shop/files/ORERT064300_Corner_Alt_1__2.jpg?v=1774988821 0.6866614048934491

"The Woman and the Devil (#643)" is a gouache painting on heavy paper created by Erté in 1923. The artwork is signed 'Erté' center right, dated, titled and numbered on verso. The artwork ships framed in a classic gold-tone frame and has a framed size of 23.75 x 22".

Romain de Tirtoff, known as Erté, was a defining force in the development of Art Deco style, shaping fashion, illustration, and stage design with his refined theatrical vision. Painted in 1923, “La femme et le diable” is a striking example of his work for the stage, created for the production ‘Le Diable de l’Américaine.’ The gouache stands not only as a vivid composition but as a rare surviving artifact from the golden age of Parisian performance design.

The image captures a dynamic figure in mid motion, likely female, leaping across the page. Her pale form is enveloped in a flowing robe of orange and gold, its flame like folds rendered with meticulous detail. As the fabric sweeps outward, it reveals a contrasting dark cape adorned with intricate Art Deco motifs in blue, purple, and gold. Stylized animals and wave patterns animate the surface, evoking myth and fantasy. The figure’s face, accented with dramatic makeup and framed by a sculptural golden coiffure, is crowned with bursts of red and blue tassels that echo along her extended arm. The composition conveys movement, spectacle, and transformation, presenting the woman as both enchantress and embodiment of theatrical power.

The production “Le Diable de l’Américaine” reflects the 1920s fascination with American modernity, exoticism, and supernatural themes. During this period, Erté designed for major Parisian venues including the Folies Bergère and Théâtre Mogador, blending influences from Russian ballet, classical mythology, and contemporary fashion. This design likely represents a principal or allegorical character, yet its painterly execution elevates it beyond preparatory study into a complete work of art.

“La femme et le diable” demonstrates Erté at the height of his creative powers. Fine draftsmanship, luxurious color, and sweeping movement combine to create a composition of dramatic intensity. Gouaches from this early decade are rare and are represented in major museum collections worldwide. With its fusion of costume, mythology, and Art Deco elegance, this work distills the glamour and imaginative energy that defined Erté’s contribution to twentieth century design.

50542571847997

50542571847997::Default Title::::,

Details

Medium: gouache on heavy paper
Year: 1923

Sheet size: 14.5 x 11.5"
Image size: 10 x 8"
Framed size: 23.75 x 22"

Signature: signed 'Erté' center right, dated, titled and numbered on verso

About the Work

About the Artist

Erté (1892–1990), widely regarded as the “Father of Art Deco,” brought glamour and refinement to fashion, stage, film, and design. After moving to Paris at 20, he worked with couturier Paul Poiret before launching an extraordinary career as illustrator, designer, and artist. His iconic Harper’s Bazar covers defined Deco elegance, while his theatrical costumes and Hollywood sets elevated modern spectacle.
Rediscovered in the 1960s, Erté saw The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquire an entire exhibition of his gouaches in 1967, cementing his place in the canon. From the 1970s onward, he expanded into limited-edition serigraphs and bronze sculpture—innovative works often incorporating embossing, metallic foil, and dramatic grounds.
Today, his creations are held in major museums worldwide and remain highly sought-after, celebrated for their timeless synthesis of geometry, luxury, and theatrical flair.

The Woman and the Devil (#643), 1923

$38,850.00

SELECTED WORK

Start your collection with guidance you can trust

For nearly 50 years, we’ve helped new collectors find artwork they love and understand the stories behind each piece. Our gallery consultants offer personalized guidance, whether you’re exploring originals, limited editions, or discovering an artist for the first time. Visit your nearest gallery to start collecting with confidence.

Reach Out to a Consultant

Visit your nearest gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with my purchase?

Your artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (or Letter of Authenticity), professional packaging, and insured delivery.

How is the artwork shipped?

We ship fully insured, using trusted carriers. Each piece is professionally packed to ensure safe arrival. Shipping times vary based on the location of the art, its destination, and whether or not it is framed (ready to ship) at the time of your purchase.

Do you frame the artwork?

All our works come beautifully framed. Some print multiples may have framing options if we have unframed editions available in our warehouse. Our in-house framing provides high-quality moulding, acid-free materials and either UV plexiglass or framer’s grade acrylic. High value works may be framed in custom, closed-corner frames, and are often framed in Optium museum glass for enhanced clarity.

Does Martin Lawrence Galleries provide Appraisal Services?

No, Martin Lawrence Galleries does not provide appraisal services. To ensure that appraisals are fully independent and unbiased, it is best practice for them to be carried out by certified appraisers who have not had prior involvement with the sale or handling of the artwork. For that reason, we do not appraise artworks that we handle, and instead recommend that collectors seek an independent, certified appraiser.

Does Martin Lawrence Galleries take works in on consignment?

No, we own the vast majority of our inventory and do not seek out consignments from Sellers.

Will Martin Lawrence Galleries help me install my artwork?

Yes, if you purchase from a local gallery, your consultant will be happy to assist you with hanging the artwork in your home.

Can I see the artwork in person?

Martin Lawrence Galleries has seven galleries across the country where you may be able to see the exact piece you are interested in. Print and sculpture multiples are more likely to be in several places for possible viewings whereas unique artworks will be constrained to one location. We are happy to facilitate your visit to one of our galleries if that is convenient for you. We can also take videos and extensive photos if a visit is not possible. Please contact us at martinlawrencegalleries.com.

Why buy from Martin Lawrence Galleries?

We have over 50 years of experience, seven gallery locations across the United States, and a track record of connecting collectors with the right artwork.

Is buying art complicated?

No. Our consultants are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make buying art simple and rewarding.

How do I know what artwork is right for me?

We encourage you to buy what you love. Our consultants will help you find the right piece that fits your taste and collection.

How should I care for my artwork?

Please visit our page on specific instructions on how to take care of your artworks. Care Instructions

Return Policy

We stand by our artwork. Please review our detailed return policy here.