Hera 

Erté created this artwork, titled Hera, using gouache and ink, materials commonly used for illustrations intended for print. The processes involved in creating this artwork are tied to the industrial modes of production of printed media. Erté’s illustrations, with their bold lines and striking color combinations, lent themselves well to reproduction and mass distribution. The artist likely used gouache for its opacity, allowing for bright, solid colors, and ink for precise linework, essential for clear reproduction. Erté was commissioned to make magazine covers, and theater set and costume designs, bringing high art aesthetics to commercial applications. With his detailed renderings, he not only captured the essence of luxury, but also made it accessible to a broader audience through widely circulated magazines. Understanding Erté's creative process and his innovative use of materials allows us to fully appreciate his contribution to both the art world and the world of commercial design, blurring the lines between the two.