Enchanted Melody 

"Enchanted Melody" was made by Erte, who was a Russian-born French artist and designer. Erte's career spanned much of the 20th century, and he significantly impacted the Art Deco movement with his elegant, stylized designs. This piece uses a black background and is bisected by a white pole that supports a pink and yellow bird. The bird has a string of pearls in its beak which are flowing down the pole to a blond woman playing a gold harp. The woman is bending to the harp, in a gesture that suggests she is entranced. Erte's work often explored themes of femininity, luxury, and exoticism, reflecting the changing roles of women in society and a fascination with other cultures. His theatrical costumes and set designs for the stage and early Hollywood, along with his magazine covers, epitomized the glamour and sophistication of the era. As you contemplate the scene, consider how Erte uses a personal and sensualized vocabulary to evoke the opulence of the 1920's.