The Kiss (also known as 'Le Baiser')
Original limited edition serigraph (silkscreen print) on heavy paper • Romain de Tirtoff (known as Erté)
Style & Movement
Art Deco Revivial (often referred to as late Art Deco or 1980s Glamour)
Medium & Technique
Serigraph with metallic ink foil stamping and embossing; utilizes clean line graphics and flat color planes
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, specifically circa 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches (image size); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
An elegant stylized profile of a figure in a silver-studded headdress and flowing white garments. The figure is shown in a delicate gesture touching their fingers to their lips, which are highlighted in gold. A silver chain necklace with a lock charm is also depicted. The composition is set against a deep cobalt blue background, emphasizing high contrast and sophisticated linear movement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the print appears bright with crisp edges and no visible fading of the metallic elements
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 261/300 in the lower left corner and hand-signed by the artist in the lower right. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or art auction house specializing in modern prints.
Art Historical Significance
Erté was a dominant figure in 20th-century fashion and design. This work represents his late-career resurgence in the 1970s and 80s, during which his Art Deco aesthetic influenced a second generation of collectors and designers.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's distinctive signature in pencil and a specific limited edition number (261/300). Features elaborate silver foil embossing in the headdress and hand-applied gold leaf details on the lips and nails.
Condition Issues
No major issues visible; minor glare from glass reflection suggests it is currently framed under glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent blue pigment fading; ensure acid-free matting and UV-protective glass are used in framing.