Erté Zeus and Hera Suite 1981 Limited Edition Lithographs, Framed Pair

This is Erté’s Zeus and Hera suite, a matched pair of limited edition lithographs both hand numbered 38/90 in roman numerals on the bottom left corner, and signed in the bottom right corner. Beautifully rendered in Erté’s classic art deco style, the embossed figure of Zeus holds his staff in one hand and thunderbolts in the other, dressed in rich yellows, oranges, and blues, and embellished with a textured and gleaming metallic gold. The matching embossed Hera is no less imposing, dressed in a white, blue, and gold robe, standing straight with a staff of her own in one hand and four leashed peacocks gathering in the corner, embellished in a contrasting textured silver with touches of gold. This stunning suite is nicely matted and framed in two simple black wood frames, octagonal in shape for interest, with a wire to hang. Printed area of lithographs each measure approximately 22 3/8 inches tall and 19 inches wide; framed to a size of 36 inches tall and 32 1/2 inches wide.

Born Romain de Tirtoff in Russia in 1892, Erté left for Paris at the age of 19 to pursue a career as a designer. In 1915 he secured his first substantial contract with Harper’s Bazaar, going on to design over 200 covers for the magazine. The long and influential career that followed would see him design for the stage and the set, from the theater to Hollywood; he would craft costumes, program designs, and sets for revues, movies, ballets, and operas, outfitting Hollywood’s elite and branching out into limited edition prints, bronzes, and wearable art. His instantly recognizable style, with delicate figures and sophisticated, glamorous designs, would earn him a place as the father of the Art Deco movement.