The Precious Stones, Ruby 

Curator: This is “The Precious Stones, Ruby” by Erte. It's a vibrant, symbolic drawing in the Art Deco style. Editor: My initial impression is one of ornamentation taken to an extreme. The color palette is striking—almost entirely in shades of ruby red against stark black and white. It’s incredibly decorative! Curator: Indeed. Erte masterfully utilizes line and form here. Notice how the ruby jewels are strategically placed. The arrangement around the figure’s head, for instance, creates a complex structure that frames the face. The whole composition seems meticulously planned around symbolic motifs. Editor: Precisely. Thinking about the production, it's fascinating to imagine the craft involved. From sourcing the materials to executing such fine, precise linework—there's an intense labor implied here. This isn't just an image of opulence; it embodies a significant investment of resources and skilled human effort. Curator: It’s worth considering how this relates to Erte's broader oeuvre. He worked extensively in fashion and theatrical design. And there's certainly that flair on display here, especially when we look at the subject’s face and headdress. There’s a sense of grandeur that borders on theatrical excess. Editor: The Art Deco style also draws connections to industrial processes, doesn’t it? I'm seeing a convergence of luxury and mass production, the aspiration towards handcrafted uniqueness juxtaposed with the possibilities of repetition, and broader accessibility of design and imagery through new print technologies. The idea of ruby is abstracted as much as its being realistically depicted. Curator: Absolutely, that tension is key. This image speaks to a particular cultural moment, reflecting both a desire for exclusivity and the increasing democratization of aesthetics. The "Ruby" drawing acts as an emblem of luxury transformed into pure visual spectacle. Editor: So, on my end, the means of producing this—a drawing evoking material excess and reflecting social aspirations—reveals a more layered interaction between culture and commodity. I like how you emphasized Erte’s design sensibility; it certainly elevates the everyday.