Sleeping Beauty 

Editor: So, here we have "Sleeping Beauty" by Erté. It's difficult to put a date on it, but given the style, it’s likely from the Art Deco period. It’s a painting depicting the iconic fairytale princess in a visually striking way. The colors and composition create this dreamy, almost surreal feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the fairytale itself, I see a commentary on the performative aspects of femininity. The exaggerated costume, the stylized landscape—they all point to a constructed identity, a persona rather than an individual. Think about the role women played during the Art Deco period. Were they really empowered, or was that "empowerment" another kind of confinement? Editor: That’s interesting. So you’re suggesting the painting is more than just a pretty picture? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the socio-political climate of the time. Post-World War I, women's roles were shifting, but traditional expectations lingered. Erté, through his design background, would've been attuned to those performative aspects of identity. Even in apparent repose, this sleeping beauty is *performing* sleeping beauty. Does the highly decorative robe she’s lying on, for instance, symbolize both her captivity and her comfort? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It almost seems like the robe is both protecting and smothering her at the same time. Curator: Precisely. Erté uses this recognizable figure to subtly challenge prevailing narratives around femininity and passivity. We should also ask if this presentation reinforces stereotypes even while seemingly embracing female strength. How much choice does she have in her “sleep”? Editor: This has given me a lot to consider about this piece; thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Always remember to consider the context in which art is produced, and the conversations it provokes across time.