Lady in waiting, project for Sheherazade 

Editor: This is a drawing entitled "Lady in Waiting, project for Sheherazade" by Erte. It seems to capture a figure in elaborate costume, reminiscent of the Art Deco style with these incredibly fine lines. The whole thing has this ethereal feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The layers of meaning within an image such as this one are remarkable. The title points us toward Sheherazade, a figure of immense narrative and symbolic weight, spun from the *One Thousand and One Nights*. Note the gesture of the hands; what tales are woven through those poised fingers? Editor: It's like she's in the middle of telling a story with her whole body! Curator: Exactly! Observe the headdress, almost crown-like, adorned with what appears to be a feather. Ask yourself what royalty means here. How does it relate to the costume’s ornamentation, and how that might speak of power, performance, even imprisonment? Editor: Imprisonment? I hadn't considered that. I was just focusing on the beauty and elegance. Curator: The beauty is undeniable, yet think of Sheherazade’s own story—spinning tales to prolong her life. Might this figure also be enacting a form of survival, transforming her circumstances through artistry and grace? Notice how the swirling fabric both adorns and confines her. The symbols and the flowing lines both hint at the tales of adventure and power, but could be interpreted as a desire to break free. Editor: So the costume becomes more than just decoration. It’s storytelling. Curator: Precisely. These visual elements echo, reinforce, and sometimes even contradict each other. They ask us to consider how images participate in creating cultural memory. What do you think Erte wants us to remember? Editor: I hadn't thought of all the potential complexities. It's amazing how a simple drawing can evoke so many layers of cultural understanding. Curator: Indeed, and hopefully ignites further exploration into the stories we tell ourselves.