Number Five 1968

Curator: Erté's "Number Five," from the Tate Collections, presents such a striking image! It's instantly captivating, wouldn't you agree? Editor: It's decorative, certainly. The lithographic process allows for those flat, intense colors—a real product of its time. I’m curious about the paper stock, its texture. Curator: For me, it evokes a sense of theatricality. A beautiful woman morphs into the number, her form almost bird-like. It feels like a dream, or a lavish stage production. Editor: Right, Erté was known for costume and set design. You see that carried over—mass production allows for that theatrical aesthetic to become widely accessible. It’s clever. Curator: I suppose the transformation speaks to me. I see vulnerability and power intertwined. Editor: Indeed. Seeing the commodification process laid bare adds another layer of complexity. Curator: Yes, Erté offers a beautiful fantasy, but within that, there’s the very real mechanism of its creation and distribution, influencing design and aesthetics. A lot to think about. Editor: Precisely. This image provides an intriguing look into the artistic and industrial practices of its time.