Helen of Troy 

Erté made "Helen of Troy" using gouache and ink, media closely associated with commercial design in the early 20th century. The flat planes of color and crisp, graphic lines are characteristic of Erté's work, and were well-suited to reproduction in magazines and prints. It's fascinating to consider how these artistic and commercial practices are intertwined. Erté applied paint with precision. The ink outlines emphasize the forms and add to the overall sense of stylization. The deep black background amplifies the figures, drawing the eye to the stylized drapery and decorative elements. The shields on either side depict battling figures, while the geometric shapes and patterns in the design reflect the influence of Art Deco. The title of this artwork implies a narrative and recalls both classical and modern sensibilities. Erté blurred the boundaries between art, fashion, and commercial design, and offers a window into the cultural and aesthetic values of the early 20th century.