Of all Erté's paintings, Evening Night is the most famous. Close behind come Little Slave and At the Theatre, Trapeze. Among the 360 works by Erté in our catalogue, these 100 are the most celebrated, each shown with its date, its museum and its story.
Ranked by our popularity score, which combines the searches, visits and orders for each work. Updated November 2026.
This work captures the essence of a period defined by glamour and the shifting tides of modern design. The influence of Persian miniatures, known for their intricate detail, whispers through the patterns on the dresses. There is a tension between the organic curves of the women's forms and the sharp, structured nature of their attire. The scene feels like a fragment of a grander theatrical production or a high-fashion illustration…
In the pantheon of twentieth-century visual culture, few names evoke the shimmering allure of the Jazz Age quite like Erté. His masterpiece, Little Slave, serves as a breathtaking window into an era defined by unparalleled glamour and sophisticated design. The artwork presents a stylized, ethereal depiction of a woman caught in a moment of theatrical grace, embodying the very soul of the Art Deco movement. Through elongated forms and meticulous…
The scene unfolds within the composition of At the Theatre, Trapeze, a work that captures a singular moment of suspended motion. Created by the artist Erté, this piece emerges from his celebrated At the Theatre series. It exists as a refined expression of the Art Deco movement, where the precision of line and the elegance of form define the visual language. The work is classified under the genre of design,…
The artwork titled Fantasia was produced by the artist Erté about 1982. This piece emerged from the hands of a man who bridged two worlds, born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and later becoming a French artist. His life spanned from 1892 to 1990, a period that saw the rise and fall of many aesthetic movements.
The scene unfolds through the vision of At the Theatre, Golden Calf, a work that carries the unmistakable signature of Erté. This piece emerges from the creative mind of Romain de Tirtoff, the man who chose the name Erté to navigate his path through the artistic circles of the twentieth century. He was born in 1892 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a place that shaped the early sensibilities of a man…
We are looking at Oriental Tale, a work by the artist known as Erté. His full name was Romain de Tirtoff, a man whose life spanned much of the twentieth century, from his birth in 1892 until his death in 1990. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, he eventually became a central figure in the Art Deco movement, bridging his Russian origins with the sophisticated sensibilities of France.
In "The Seven Deadly Sins, Pride" by Erté, the artist presents a study of vanity through a single, poised female figure. She is the central focus, embodying the essence of self-importance. A striking red dress defines her silhouette, cascading downward to reveal a portion of her torso. Upon her head rests a crown, a clear signifier of the grandeur and ego associated with this specific sin. The figure's posture is…
A woman emerges from a void of black. She is a silhouette of grace, her long hair cascading like silk against the dark. She looks upward, her expression serene and fixed on something unseen. Around her, the world is a tangle of branches and leaves. She holds a comb to her tresses, a quiet gesture of preparation or perhaps a ritual of transition. Flowers cling to her skin and her…
Eyes of Jealousy emerges from the imagination of Erté, a name that carries the weight of a transformed identity. Born Romain de Tirtoff in 1892 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the artist navigated a life of deep tradition before finding his true calling in the creative pulse of Paris. He moved through the decades with a singular vision, eventually passing away in 1990, leaving behind a legacy defined by the very…
A Vision of Art Deco Elegance: Introducing “Ready for the Ball 2” by Erté Romain de Tirtoff, better known as Erté, masterfully captures a moment of poised anticipation…
The four subjects that return most often on these canvases, each with its best-loved example.
The museum that holds the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Erté | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 Labirinto della Masone |
Fontanellato | 1 | Little Slave |
A long career in colour: 58 years, 1926 to 1983, and Erté's most celebrated canvases of each year.
Evening Night, followed by Little Slave and At the Theatre, Trapeze.
Evening Night, Little Slave, At the Theatre, Trapeze, Fantasia, At the Theatre, Golden Calf, Oriental Tale, The Seven Deadly Sins, Pride, The Seasons, Autumn, Eyes of Jealousy and Simone. Each canvas in the ranking above comes with its year and its museum.
360 works by Erté are in our catalogue, dated 1926 to 1983.
Mostly in Labirinto della Masone (Fontanellato); the list above names each museum and its canvases.
The earliest canvas here is Marriage Dance (1926); the latest is Phoenix Triumphant (1983).
Designs and sketches (53), Women (16) and Geometric design (8), across the 100 works on this page.
Screenprint, used in 3 of the 100 works on this page.
Art deco, as the canvases on this page show.
Romain de Tirtoff, known to the world as Erté, was born into a life of privilege and tradition in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on November 23, 1892. His lineage traced back centuries to Tatar khans, and his father served with distinction as an admiral in the Imperial Russian Fleet. Yet, young Romain’s destiny lay not on the waves but within the realm of art—a passion that blossomed early, nurtured by a mother he deeply adored and the exotic beauty of Persian miniatures found within his father's library. These intricate designs would become a subtle yet enduring influence on his later work, imbuing it with a sense of opulent detail and stylized elegance. Even as a child, Romain demonstrated an extraordinary talent for design; legend has it that at just five years old, he sketched an evening gown for his mother, which was then brought to life by astonished seamstresses.
Despite the expectations placed upon him to follow in his father’s naval footsteps, Romain felt an irresistible pull towards artistic expression. This internal conflict led him to adopt the pseudonym “Erté”—a clever adaptation of his initials, pronounced in French—to shield his family from potential disappointment as he pursued a career they might not approve of. In 1910, at the age of eighteen, Romain made the bold decision to leave Russia for Paris, the undisputed epicenter of art and fashion, embarking on a journey that would forever alter the course of visual culture.
Arriving in Paris with little more than his talent and ambition, Erté quickly immersed himself in the vibrant artistic milieu. He initially found work as a draughtsman, but his aspirations soared far beyond simple execution. A pivotal moment arrived when he presented his portfolio to Paul Poiret, the celebrated “King of Fashion,” who immediately recognized Romain’s exceptional gift. This collaboration proved transformative, providing Erté with invaluable experience in costume and accessory design and launching him into the heart of Parisian haute couture.
However, it was his association with Harper's Bazaar that truly cemented Erté’s reputation. From 1915 to 1936, he graced over 240 covers with his breathtaking illustrations—a remarkable feat of creativity and consistency. These weren’t merely fashion plates; they were exquisite works of art, showcasing elongated figures draped in lavish costumes against stylized backgrounds. His style, characterized by bold lines, geometric shapes, and a luxurious aesthetic, became synonymous with the burgeoning Art Deco movement. Erté didn't just depict fashion; he defined it, capturing the spirit of an era defined by glamour, sophistication, and modernity.
Erté’s artistic talents extended far beyond the realm of fashion illustration. He was a remarkably versatile artist, designing costumes and sets for numerous theatrical productions, including lavish spectacles at the Folies-Bergère and Ziegfeld Follies. His designs weren't simply garments; they were transformative creations that brought characters to life and enhanced the dramatic impact of each performance. This foray into theater allowed him to explore his creativity on a grand scale, experimenting with color, texture, and form in ways that further refined his artistic vision.
In 1925, Erté ventured westward, accepting a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Hollywood. While his time in the film industry was relatively brief, it exposed him to a new audience and broadened his creative horizons. He continued to exhibit his work, holding his first solo exhibition at the Madison Hotel in New York City that same year—a significant milestone that brought his art to a wider public.
Throughout this period, Erté’s style underwent a subtle yet profound evolution. While initially influenced by Art Nouveau's flowing lines and organic forms, he increasingly embraced the principles of Art Deco, reflecting the changing artistic landscape of the era. His figures became more streamlined, his compositions more geometric, and his color palettes more vibrant—all hallmarks of the distinctive visual language that would become his signature.
Though his prominence waned somewhat during the mid-20th century, Erté experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity during the 1960s, fueled by a renewed interest in Art Deco. He embarked on a prolific period of new artistic endeavors, creating sculptures, lithographs, and bronzes that captivated collectors and critics alike. His work continued to be celebrated for its elegance, sophistication, and enduring appeal.
Erté’s influence extends far beyond the confines of art history. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of Art Deco, shaping its visual identity and inspiring generations of artists and designers. His designs have influenced fashion trends, interior design aesthetics, and graphic arts throughout the 20th century and continue to resonate with contemporary creatives.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Erté received numerous accolades, including the Chevalier du Mérite Artistique et Culturel from the French government. He passed away in Paris on April 21, 1990, at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration. His work remains a testament to the power of artistic vision, the enduring allure of elegance, and the timeless beauty of Art Deco.
