Erte’s Symphony in Black - The Best Known Art

The famous artist Romain de Titroff, better known by his initials as Erte, was so multi-talented and produced such a wealth of art throughout his long and illustrious career that most people would think it difficult to choose one stand out work of art. In the case of Erte paintings; however, the decision is easy. The most iconic work of Erte art is by far his iconic and generation defining Symphony in Black.

Erte’s classic Symphony in Black showcases a tall, slender woman painted all in black. She has a very Avant Guard hat and fashionable clothing. She holds onto the end of a long leash with a small dog at the end of it. This famous piece of Erte artwork has been reproduced thousands of times. The image was used repeatedly by the artist himself in paintings, prints, and Erte sculptures. It has also been copied and reproduced countless time by other artists and among popular culture.

One of the major reasons Erte’s painting Symphony in Black is so famous is because it so clearly represents the artist’s aesthetic. Erte is considered the father of the Art Deco movement. His art’s aesthetic not only defined his art, but it went on to be symbolic of an entire era. In the 1920, Erte directly influenced culture’s art deco aesthetic through fashion and art, both of which he played a pivotal and era defining role in. He went on to influence movies, popular culture, architecture, design, and many other areas indirectly as well. Symphony in Black is quintessentially art deco in its styling. The painting’s use of all black, long slender lines, and use of negative space, represent of the era’s art deco aesthetic that Erte created.

Another reason for the widespread appreciation for Erte’s artwork Symphony in Black is that it represents the evolution of his artistic career. Beginning in fashion design, making costumes for the theatre and designing covers for Harper’s Bazaar, the viewer can immediately recognize Erte’s artistic roots upon looking at his famous Symphony in Black. The very fashion forward outfit and hat worn by the woman display Erte’s appreciation for fashion. The fact that this image was reproduced over and over again throughout Erte’s career in a multitude of mediums also represents the artist’s history. Erte While Erte bronze sculptures, paintings, and prints are the most famous today, the artist worked with many mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, print making, fashion design, interior design, along with others. The use of the iconic image from Symphony in Black in so many forms represents Erte’s vast flexibility and skill as an artist.

Finally, Erte’s artwork Symphony in Black is interesting for art critics and collectors because the majority of the image’s use came later in Erte’s career. Not only was Erte famous as the father of art deco, but he also experienced of widespread appreciation during the art deco revival of the 1960s onward, also created by Erte. This nostalgic look back on the art deco perspective of the 1920s and 1930s was largely created be Erte and created a massive resurgence in the popularity of Erte art. Many Symphony in Black renderings were created late in the artist’s career, between 1980 and 1990.

Erte’s Symphony in Black is considering the defining work of the artist’s career. It’s ability to capture the essence of both Erte, and the generations and aesthetic which he created make it a stand out among a vast body of Erte artwork.