"Stranded" by Erté

A wonderful limited edition Artist Proof Art Deco bronze sculpture depicting a young woman standing on a rocky landscape surrounded by crashing waves. The bronze with excellent enamel painted colours and fine detail. Signed Erté, dated 1988, and numbered AP 20/37, with the foundry mark of Chalk & Vermillon.

Stranded is derived from one of Erté’s earliest Harper’s Bazar covers, published in January 1916. Throughout his career, Erté drew inspiration from the fluidity of water and the concept of movement, themes clearly expressed in this work. Created for the Theatre in Bronze series, Stranded depicts a solitary woman standing on a rock rising from the sea, suggesting the image of a marooned maiden. She appears confined and unable to escape, yet her expression conveys composure rather than fear. This contrasts with the original gouache, where her wide-eyed gaze suggests alarm, perhaps exaggerated for effect. Surrounding her, swirling waves, darting silver fish, and wind-tossed drapery—shaped like a question mark—heighten the sense of motion and hint at uncertainty surrounding her fate or emotional state.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height:                                       50 cm

Width:                                        26 cm 

Depth:                                        22 cm 

Circa:                                          1988

Foundry:                                     Chalk & Vermilon 

Materials:                                    Bronze

SKU:                                            9542

ABOUT

Erté (Russian, 1892–1990)

born Romain de Tirtoff in St Petersburg, was one of the most influential artists of the Art Deco movement, renowned for his elegant, highly stylised imagery spanning fashion, illustration, theatre design, and sculpture. After relocating to Paris in 1912, he became closely associated with leading couturiers and achieved international acclaim through his long-standing collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar, producing over 200 covers that defined the glamour of the early 20th century.

Although celebrated initially as a graphic artist, Erté’s later career saw a remarkable revival, particularly from the 1960s onward, when he began creating limited edition sculptures. These bronzes, often produced in collaboration with prestigious foundries such as Fine Art Acquisitions and Tallix Foundry, translated his iconic two-dimensional designs into three-dimensional form. His sculptural works retained the flowing lines, elongated figures, and ornamental detail that defined his illustrations, often featuring elegantly posed female figures adorned in intricate costumes.

Erté’s bronzes are notable for their luxurious surface treatments, including rich patinas, gilt detailing, and the incorporation of enamel or cold-painted elements. Works such as Symphony in Black, The Three Graces, and Her Secret Admirers exemplify his ability to combine narrative, movement, and decorative refinement. Each edition was carefully controlled, enhancing both artistic integrity and collectability.

These sculptures embody the essence of Art Deco sophistication—graceful, theatrical, and meticulously crafted. Today, Erté’s limited edition bronzes remain highly sought after, representing the culmination of his artistic vision and a seamless fusion of illustration and sculpture that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Erté’s words

” In fashion- creating forms for living people-in the design of furniture, in the design of theatrical settings and costumes, in the design of jewellery, one is functioning in three dimensions, and all this work in the round can be considered sculptural. In this sense, my theatrical settings are large environmental sculptures. I have never made a drawing for a dress or a costume without first having a fully developed idea of it in the round. In fact, before I start a design every detail has to be ripe in my mind, and I execute it without any deviation,because the conception has become a living reality deep in my creative psyche. When I design an evening dress, for example, I assemble a woman in full costume inside my head, swirling in her gown, showing every fold, seam and hem.”

To view our selection of Erté figures please click here.