Early Life and Artistic Awakening Romain de Tirtoff, universally recognized as Erté, was born into a world of aristocratic tradition in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on November 23, 1892. His lineage traced back centuries to Tatar khans—a heritage that instilled within him a profound appreciation for history and craftsmanship. His father, Admiral Nikolai de Tirtoff, served with distinction in the Imperial Russian Navy, shaping young Romai…