Number Seven 1968

Curator: Erté's "Number Seven" presents us with a stylized figure, almost an embodiment of the number itself, rendered in a distinctly Art Deco aesthetic. Editor: I’m immediately struck by the figure's vulnerability, almost floating in that black space. The butterflies seem to both adorn and perhaps, subtly, confine her. Curator: Erté often explored themes of feminine identity and representation, though through a lens that catered to a largely male gaze. What are your thoughts on how this particular image engages with those issues? Editor: The butterflies could be seen as symbols of transformation, but in this context, they also evoke the idea of being pinned or collected, which is quite unsettling when considering patriarchal standards of beauty. Perhaps we see a critique of the expectations placed on women? Curator: It’s certainly a valid interpretation, given the historical context and the artist's complex relationship with portraying women. The figure is adorned but is she empowered? That’s the lingering question for me. Editor: I agree. Ultimately, the artwork leaves me pondering the multifaceted nature of beauty and the underlying power dynamics it often reflects.