Acte I, La Grande Duchesse by Erté

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) 1892-1990 | Russian-French Acte I, La Grande Duchesse Signed “Erté” (lower right) Inscribed "La Traviata / 1er acte / Entrée des invités / Composition originale" (en verso) Gouache on paper Erté designed this multi-hued dreamscape for a production of La Grande Duchesse, an opéra bouffe in three acts by Jacques Offenbach. After its premiere in Paris in 1867, it became a staple in the operatic repertoire of Europe and the United States. This 1948 set design for Act I of the timeless production would have heightened the comedic and satirical elements of the opera, offering audiences a rainbow of visuals that would have parried the colorful humor onstage. The alliance between Erté and the vibrant performing arts scene of Paris transported audiences to new heights throughout the early 20th century. Erté emerged as an unmatched and emblematic creative force whose visionary designs were imbued with an otherworldly appeal. His mesmerizing costume and set designs le