Emerald 

Erte's 'Emerald' evokes a sense of Art Deco glamour. Born Romain de Tirtoff in Russia, Erte's trajectory as a designer and artist was profoundly shaped by his move to Paris in 1912, embedding him in the heart of the avant-garde movement. His works, including this piece, often featured stylized figures and elaborate costumes that challenge conventional representations of the female form. The elegant figure surrounded by verdant grapes and emerald jewels reflects a modern take on classical motifs, where the female figure is both idealized and powerful. This image is a space where beauty, desire, and the construction of identity are central. Erte himself noted a desire to "bring fantasy to the mundane," and here, the mundane is nowhere to be seen. 'Emerald' shapes a world of opulence and theatricality. Erte invites us to reflect on our own desires and fantasies, and the emotional impact of the constructed image.