Acte I, Così fan Tutte by Erté

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Acte I, Così fan Tutte Signed “Erté” (lower right) Inscribed n°11.841 “Così fan Tutte, Décor du 1st acte” and stamped "Erté Estate, 1990" and "Serge Leeman" (en verso) Gouache on paper This original gouache by Erté showcases the Art Deco master's genius with set design. A testament to Erté's pioneering creativity and engagement with the traditions of theater, this beautiful tableau for the famous opera Così fan tutte epitomizes the creative grandeur of the man often hailed as the "Father of Art Deco." Composed by the iconic Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo Da PonteCosì fan tutte is a celebrated opera buffa that premiered in Vienna in 1790. It is widely believed that the opera was written at the suggestion of Emperor Joseph II. The cheeky title translates to "Women are like that," and the production explores the theme of "fiancée swapping," an oft-explored plot in Shakespearean works and other iconic literature.