Ganna Walska in Manon 03 

Erte imagined Ganna Walska in Manon 03, using gouache and ink to evoke a Jazz Age vision of operatic glamour. The opulent costume is rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing the texture of the material and the richness of its embellishments. Erte's technical skill is evident in the precise rendering of the gold filigree over the bodice and the cascade of red rosettes on the skirt. His use of gouache allows for bold, opaque colors that create a sense of depth and volume. The gown's intricate design and elaborate construction speak to the intensive labor involved in creating such a garment, highlighting the social context of haute couture during the early 20th century. Erte's work draws from a wide range of sources, from fashion illustration to theater design, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the full meaning of Erte's artistic vision and its place within a broader cultural landscape.