The Artic Sea 

This is Erte’s ‘Arctic Sea’ a gouache and ink drawing, capturing the essence of the Art Deco movement. Erte, a Russian-born French artist, captured the zeitgeist of the early 20th century, a period defined by rapid industrialization, social change, and a burgeoning consumer culture. His work often graced the covers of magazines like Harper's Bazaar, reflecting and shaping the tastes of the era's elite. In "Arctic Sea," Erte employs the visual codes of luxury and exoticism. The elongated figure, draped in flowing white robes, evokes a sense of otherworldly elegance, embodying the spirit of the “Roaring Twenties,” a time of liberation and pleasure. The theatrical costumes of the Parisian stage influenced the artist, as did the changing status of women in Western society, reflected in the figure's bold and assertive stance. To truly understand Erte, one must delve into the archives of fashion magazines, theatre programs, and cultural histories. Art is not created in a vacuum. It's a product of social, political and economic forces.