Alphabet T 

Curator: This striking drawing is called "Alphabet T," attributed to the artist Erté. I am instantly struck by the decorative qualities of this piece, the figure seems like the epitome of elegance. Editor: Elegance, certainly, but also consider its construction—the stylized figure integrated flawlessly into the very shape of the letter "T." It feels so performative. Almost as if Erté considers that the body in itself should be art. The figure acts like the structure on which to grow other decorations: a dress made of leaves, flowers... and is that a beautiful sort of stole crowning it? Curator: A stole, a very elaborate lace stole, precisely. And let’s not overlook Erté's use of figuration intertwined with the Art Deco style. Note how the artist uses the female form in his depiction of the letter; do you think Erté meant to make a point by assigning the shape of the letter “T” to a female figure? Is he trying to tie ideas around identity? Editor: Semiotically, the “T” could suggest support or foundation, literally visualized in how the figure supports the decorative elements. I am intrigued by its visual weight against the backdrop; Erté manipulates the figure's lines so it remains soft but assertive, demanding the viewer's attention with a refined dominance. Curator: It is indeed commanding. Perhaps because of Erté’s focus on the aesthetic, which makes this feel empowering rather than exploiting the figure, because that distinction must be accounted for in visual representation. This aesthetic can be viewed as a deliberate statement against functional design that had permeated a significant amount of industrial design. Erté reclaims beauty, luxury, and the figure. Editor: Absolutely, and to that end the lack of grounding—the figure floating on a black background— enhances this vision of stylized femininity. The blackness surrounding it sharpens one's attention, focusing on form and artistry while simultaneously providing a stark contrast. Curator: Thinking about Erté’s artistic intentions alongside our present socio-cultural moment, this gives us a chance to investigate some key assumptions about gender and power in design. Editor: Yes, while exploring the intricate beauty he brought to the world, this was a delightful return to basics, breaking down elements like composition and shape into its finer elements!