The Precious Stones, Diamond 

Editor: We’re looking at "The Precious Stones, Diamond," a graphic art piece by Erte. It’s striking how the artist renders the woman's face as if it’s composed of facets of a diamond itself. How would you interpret Erte's artistic choices in this work? Curator: Immediately apparent is Erte's Art Deco sensibility: the emphasis on geometric forms, the stylized human figure, and the deliberate use of color for decorative effect. The figure's face, segmented into triangular facets, performs a dual function. What effect does this segmentation have? Editor: I guess it is making the face resemble a cut diamond? Curator: Precisely. The faceting fractures the face into its basic planes to amplify a radiant essence. It's a potent formal device. The contrasting solid black background versus the detailed crown and hair draws our eye and adds visual weight. Have you considered the interplay of light and shadow in this work? Editor: Not really. I was stuck at the Libra Zodiac sign at the base of the face... Curator: Quite right. It signals us to look at the deeper order of these stones. A Formalist approach prioritizes the work's internal logic. Can you now suggest why geometric forms, such as the circle, and shapes appear as core elements? Editor: They make the diamond complete? Curator: Perhaps, they lend it completeness and cohesion through formal organization, thereby fulfilling its visual and symbolic function. In considering form and its interplay, we gain a deeper understanding of this Art Deco piece. Editor: Thank you. I am more appreciative of this design work now.