Pink Lady (or Butterfly Lady)
Limited Edition Print (Serigraph) on heavy paper • Romain de Tirtoff (known as Erté)
Style & Movement
Art Deco Revival (late 20th century revival of the 1920s aesthetic)
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (silkscreen) with potential metallic ink or foil stamping; characterized by flat color planes, crisp outlines, and graduated color blends typical of the medium.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1980-1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches (framed); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
An elegant female figure in a highly stylized pink gown stands amidst stylized clouds or waves. A swarm of white and pink butterflies forms her headdress and surrounds her upper body. The background features a deep blue sky and a structure with a golden illuminated window, evoking a theatrical Art Deco stage set.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible glare from glass suggests it has been protected, though colors should be checked for fading.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized print auction; contains a pencil signature and numbering (bottom left/right) consistent with Erté's mass-marketed late-career editions.
Art Historical Significance
Erté is the quintessential figure of the Art Deco movement. This work represents the massive commercial resurgence of his style in the 1980s, which redefined fashion illustration and high-decorative printmaking for a new generation.
Notable Features
Features the signature 'Erté' in pencil; typical elongated 'glamour' proportions and intricate butterfly motifs characteristic of the artist's theatrical costume designs.
Condition Issues
Possible light acidic matting; faint yellowing of the paper margins; minor rippling (cockling) may occur if not properly mounted.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure use of UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent fading of the delicate pastel inks.