Erté “Devotion” Hand-Signed Embossed Art Deco Serigraph With Foil, 1987, Custom Framed

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Description

An exceptionally elegant hand-signed limited-edition serigraph by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff, 1892–1990), the legendary artist and designer whose unmistakable vision … Read more An exceptionally elegant hand-signed limited-edition serigraph by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff, 1892–1990), the legendary artist and designer whose unmistakable vision helped define the glamour, geometry, and theatrical sophistication of the Art Deco era.

Titled Devotion, this luminous composition was issued in October 1987 and revisits an Erté fashion illustration originally created for Harper’s Bazaar in May 1919. Against a deep cobalt-blue circular field, an ethereal female figure appears in flowing ivory drapery, her poised silhouette enriched by shimmering gold and silver foil accents. A long, sweeping train, jeweled details, delicate tassels, and exquisitely articulated hands and facial features create a composition that feels at once serene, ceremonial, and unmistakably theatrical.

The work is particularly striking in person. Produced as an embossed serigraph with foil stamping, it possesses an extraordinary sense of depth and dimension. Raised details articulate the figure, costume, jewelry, hands, and ornamental elements, while an elegant blind-embossed decorative border surrounds the composition. The metallic passages shift subtly with the light, revealing the technical complexity and luxurious craftsmanship of the print. Please refer to the detailed photographs for close views of the embossing and foil work.

This impression is hand signed by Erté in pencil at the lower right and hand numbered CXXXIV/CL, translating to 134 of 150, at the lower left. The Roman-numeral notation is preserved exactly as it appears on the artwork.

Born Romain de Tirtoff in St. Petersburg, Erté moved to Paris at age twenty and adopted his celebrated professional name from the French pronunciation of his initials, “R.T.” His remarkable career spanned more than eight decades and encompassed fashion illustration, haute couture, theater, opera, film, jewelry, sculpture, and the graphic arts. His long association with Harper’s Bazaar helped establish a visual language of modern elegance that continues to influence fashion and design.

During the international Art Deco revival of the later twentieth century, many of Erté’s historic illustrations were reinterpreted as meticulously produced limited-edition graphics. Devotion is among the most graceful of these late-career works, preserving the refined linework and couture sensibility of the 1919 design while adding the dimensional embossing, saturated color, and reflective foil that distinguish the finished serigraph.

Published Erté reference material identifies Devotion as an embossed serigraph with foil stamping produced by Chromacomp, New York, in October 1987. The image is illustrated in two recognized publications devoted to the artist’s graphic work.

The artwork was acquired from OJ Art Gallery in New York on May 12, 1994, for $3,500, and remained in the original owner’s private collection for more than three decades. The original dated gallery bill of sale accompanies the artwork, providing excellent documented provenance.

Published references: Illustrated in Erté at Ninety-Five: The Complete New Graphics (E. P. Dutton, 1987), p. 67. Also illustrated as Print No. 67 in Erté: The Leader of Art Deco, His Trail Through the Century, where the work is identified as an embossed serigraph with foil stamping produced by Chromacomp, New York, in October 1987.

Professionally custom framed beneath plexiglass in a substantial silver-tone gallery frame with layered ivory linen matting, a silver fillet, and decorative inner trim. The restrained framing beautifully complements the cobalt, ivory, gold, and silver palette and allows the work to transition effortlessly among Art Deco, Hollywood Regency, traditional, and contemporary interiors.

Details:
Artist: Erté, Romain de Tirtoff
Title: Devotion
Date: October 1987
Medium: Embossed serigraph with foil stamping on paper
Edition: CXXXIV/CL, 134 of 150
Signature: Hand signed in pencil at lower right
Printer: Chromacomp, New York, as documented in published reference material
Original design: Harper’s Bazaar, May 1919
Provenance: OJ Art Gallery, New York; purchased May 12, 1994
Documentation: Original dated gallery bill of sale included
Glazing: Plexiglass
Framing: Professionally custom framed

Measurements:
Overall: 39 in. W × 47 in. H × 1.75 in. D
Visible artwork area: 29 in. W × 37.5 in. H

Condition:
The serigraph itself is in very good vintage condition and presents beautifully, with rich, even color, crisp printed detail, bright metallic foil accents, and sharply defined embossing. No visible tears, punctures, or significant staining were observed during inspection.

The frame shows scattered age-related scratches, rubbing, minor finish loss, and localized corner wear, as documented in the detailed photographs. These imperfections are most apparent upon close inspection and are not visually distracting when the piece is displayed. The linen mat also displays a few minor age-related marks. The frame remains structurally sound and ready to hang. See less