Vamps, L'Empanachee 

This artwork, "Vamps, L'Empanachee," was created by Erte, known for his Art Deco fashion and stage designs. His works often relied on gouache or serigraphy, using precise linework and vivid color. The artwork's visual impact derives largely from its materials. The gouache allows for flat, opaque areas of color, lending to its graphic quality. The medium is suitable for creating intricate detail, as seen in the beads and feather headdress, which required considerable handwork. The feathers themselves, likely exotic, add a tactile and luxurious dimension. Erte's work was commercially oriented. His designs were widely reproduced, seen on magazine covers and posters. This context is vital, as it reflects a broader trend of artistic production geared towards consumerism and mass appeal. The image celebrates glamour, and a lifestyle made possible by the Roaring Twenties' economy, yet also involved the labor of many hands to create the original design, and reproduce it. Understanding the context of production and consumption transforms our reading of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and commercial design.