Erte
is one of the most notable fashion illustrators and costume designers
and a master of the Art Deco style.He was born in Romain de Tirtoff
in St.Petersburg,Russia on 23rd
November 1892.He came from a an aristocratic musical family loyal to
Tsar.Since he was very young,he was introduced to theater. His family
had a permanent box in Maryinsky Theater and also had the Ballets
Russes of the famed Diaghilev.In 1912,his family moved to
Paris,France.He became a French citizen since then.He went to study
at the Academie Julian and at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts.
In
1913,Erte was hired by Paul Poiret.This is where he decided to change
his name to Erte.During this time he also worked for Gazette du Bon
Ton.In 1913,he deisgned costumes fir a scene called “La Musee
Cubiste in Paris music hall revue,Plus Ca Change.Etre worked for
Harper;s Bazaar in New York.His work was published from 1916 to
december 1936.By the Erte had gained reputation as the world's
leading fashion illustrators.Erte style was influenced by the
painting of the Pre-Raphaelites,and also by floral and Art Deco
patterns and he might influenced by the books he saw in the library
of his father which included Sixteenth century Persians and Indian
miniatures which he acquired certain precious decorative motifs as
well as love for details and for gold and silver.
Above is one of his work.
This
illustration is called 'Symphony in Black'.The fashion illustration
give me a an impression of a very elegant and high class style.The
silhouette of the illustration gives a very feminine look.His fashion
illustration is similar to those ancient Egyptian kind of artwork
because of the 'hat' on her head.The colours that were used were
really suitable.With the dog in the illustration,it also gives a
sense of protection for the women because like people say 'Dogs are
men best friend'.Since the women is high class and elite,the women
need a sense of protection.
What
I feel about the picture above is that I was impressed by the way the
women is dressed.The garment that the women is wearing is a sari(an
indian traditional costume)like I said earlier his style was
influenced by the books from his father's library and one of the
style that was taken from the images of the books are indian
miniatures.The handy fan that she is holding,is like a peacock
feathers. Nevertheless,it is clear now that he's style was
influenced by indian miniatures.
This
is one of his works that were published n Harper's Bazaar.This
illustrations of Erte gives me an impression of calm and relax
because the colours that were used and the way the women is women is
wearing gives an impression of peace.
During
world war 2 1930's and 1940's he was a primarily involved in theatre
in Paris,London and elsewhere.His designs were acquired by
opera,ballet,drama,music hall companies.When he was 73 years old, he
unveiled thousands of perfectly preserved illustrations they caused a
resurgence of Art
Deco
in the late 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.On April 21, 1990, at the age of
ninety-seven, Erté died in France.
What
I have learned or want to pick up from his illustrations Is
that,inspirations can be found in many ways it's either you know how
to combine the inspiration to your style.
