Noon 

Here we see Erte’s illustration “Noon,” which captures the essence of the Art Deco movement. The piece embodies the era's fascination with both modernity and exoticism. Erte, a Russian-born French artist, achieved fame designing for magazines like Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. As a gay man working during a time of strict social norms, Erte navigated identity through his art. His designs often featured androgynous figures that challenged traditional gender roles. In “Noon,” a woman is depicted from behind, lifting up a mass of flowers and fruit. Two stylized birds swoop around her, all set against a radiant, sun-like backdrop. The image evokes themes of abundance and the transformative power of nature. The woman is adorned, yet her anonymity invites us to project our own desires and experiences onto her. Erte’s illustrations offer a glimpse into a world where identity is fluid and self-expression is celebrated.