Her Secret Admirers 

This print by Erte presents us with a vision steeped in the Art Deco era. Note the swooping birds—symbols of freedom and aspiration—which contrast dramatically with the cloaked figures looming in the background, their presence reminiscent of hidden desires. Consider the historical thread connecting these elements. Birds have long signified the soul's journey in myriad cultures, from ancient Egyptian depictions to Renaissance allegories. Here, though, the birds appear constrained, as if caught in the web of the woman's admirers. These dark figures echo the Commedia dell'arte, where masked characters embody universal human traits, often darker ones such as envy or lust. How potent is the psychological dance at play here? The woman, adorned and seemingly aloof, stands as a beacon, while the shadowed figures represent the subconscious, the hidden aspects of desire and admiration. The cyclical recurrence of the masked figure—from ancient rituals to modern masquerades—highlights our enduring fascination with hidden identities and unspoken desires. Through these symbolic echoes, Erte’s work transcends its era, engaging our collective memory and subconscious.