Elegance 

Here we see Erte’s ‘Elegance’, made with gouache and ink, a work where the artist manipulates form and colour to evoke luxury. The figure, draped in a turquoise robe, is an exercise in stylized elegance. The robe, with its elaborate folds and fur trim, becomes a study in line and shape. Note how the verticality of the dress contrasts with the curves of the fur trim, the hem and the tassel, creating a visual rhythm that guides the eye. The limited colour palette enhances the overall aesthetic, focusing our attention on the geometric precision of the forms. Erte was deeply influenced by Art Deco, and this piece is a prime example of that. The streamlined silhouette, the geometric motifs, and the emphasis on decorative detail all reflect the Art Deco aesthetic. Yet, by stripping away superfluous details, Erte challenges traditional notions of representation, suggesting that true elegance lies in simplicity and the careful arrangement of form. This work becomes a semiotic exercise, where each element—colour, line, shape—acts as a signifier within a larger system of meaning.