Stolen Kisses 

"Stolen Kisses," by Erte, presents a blend of romance and high fashion, typical of his distinctive style. Made during the Art Deco era, this image encapsulates the epoch's focus on luxury and modern aesthetics. Here, a fashionable woman is surrounded by imagery that relates to desire and romance: other women shaped like flowers, alluding to the "flapper" style of the Roaring Twenties; she stares at a jewelry box containing lovers. The stylized figures and sleek lines align with the Art Deco movement, emphasizing the decorative and the theatrical. The use of bold colors and geometric patterns reflects the era's fascination with technology and progress, and its departure from traditional art forms. Analyzing this work, the social historian might explore how fashion and design mirrored changing societal values and gender roles. By researching periodicals, fashion plates, and advertising from the period, we can develop a deeper understanding of the cultural codes that shaped Erte’s designs and the aspirations of the time.