Sheerazade, Calyph's Favorite 

This artwork is by Erte, titled "Sheerazade, Calyph's Favorite". Look at the Peacock feather motifs adorning her clothing which immediately conjure a sense of opulence and exoticism, transporting us to the tales of the Arabian Nights. The Peacock, a symbol of immortality and rebirth, has long been associated with royalty, beauty and pride, reappearing throughout history from the peacock feathers inlaid into the throne of Tutankhamun, to the vibrant tapestries of the Byzantine Empire, and even the dresses of noblewomen in renaissance portraits. Notice how Erte reimagines this symbol within an Art Deco aesthetic. The stylized Peacock evokes a sense of mystery and allure, embodying a tension between overt display and hidden depths. It serves as a lens to see how symbols evolve, retaining fragments of their ancient power. The image is a potent manifestation of our shared visual memory.