Sapphire 

This is Erte’s "Sapphire," a lithograph that sings with the art deco spirit, where we see the figure of a mermaid beneath the sign of Aquarius. The mermaid, a creature of myth, represents the lure of the unknown and the depths of the subconscious. This siren-like figure, with her flowing hair and poised hands, is a vessel of emotional power. Her gestures echo those found in ancient depictions of goddesses, who, throughout history, have been connected to fertility, birth, and the life-giving properties of water. Notice how the water drips from her hands like tears, mirroring the water flowing from Aquarius’ urn above. The water motif transcends mere representation; it evokes a sense of cyclical renewal, a theme deeply embedded in our cultural psyche. Like the mermaid, it resurfaces in various forms, embodying ever-evolving meanings.