
Limited Edition Erte Serigraph: 'The Legend of the Snow Queen' (or 'The Little Empress')
This is a large-format limited edition serigraph (silkscreen print) by the renowned Art Deco artist Romain de Tirtoff, widely known as Erté (1892–1990). The artwork depicts a stylized female figure in elaborate, faux-fur-trimmed regal winter attire, cradling the head of a dark horse amidst a snowy, mountainous landscape. The composition is characteristic of Erté’s late-period graphic work, executed with remarkable precision and opulent color. The central figure wears a flowing red robe adorned with intricate gold dragon motifs and geometric patterns, displaying the artist's background in fashion design and theatrical costuming. The color palette is sophisticated, utilizing high-contrast blacks, deep reds, and metallic golds against a minimalist gray and white background. Looking at the bottom margin, there are two distinct markings: on the bottom left, the pencil-written numbering '117 / 300' indicates this is a limited run print, which significantly adds to its collectibility. On the bottom right, Erte’s stylized signature is visible alongside a chop mark or embossed seal often used by Sevenarts Ltd or Chalk & Vermilion, his primary publishers. The print is professionally housed in a contemporary silver-toned metal frame with a deep profile, providing a clean, modern aesthetic that contrasts with the ornate details of the print. The condition appears excellent with no visible fading, foxing, or moisture damage to the paper. The registration of colors is sharp, a hallmark of high-quality serigraphy where multiple layers of ink are applied to create a tactile, saturated surface. This piece likely dates from the 1980s, a period when Erté experienced a major career revival and produced his most popular graphic editions.
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Estimated Value
$1,500 - $2,500
Basic Information
Category
Fine Art - Limited Edition Prints
Appraised On
April 21, 2026
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $2,500
Item Description
This is a large-format limited edition serigraph (silkscreen print) by the renowned Art Deco artist Romain de Tirtoff, widely known as Erté (1892–1990). The artwork depicts a stylized female figure in elaborate, faux-fur-trimmed regal winter attire, cradling the head of a dark horse amidst a snowy, mountainous landscape. The composition is characteristic of Erté’s late-period graphic work, executed with remarkable precision and opulent color. The central figure wears a flowing red robe adorned with intricate gold dragon motifs and geometric patterns, displaying the artist's background in fashion design and theatrical costuming. The color palette is sophisticated, utilizing high-contrast blacks, deep reds, and metallic golds against a minimalist gray and white background. Looking at the bottom margin, there are two distinct markings: on the bottom left, the pencil-written numbering '117 / 300' indicates this is a limited run print, which significantly adds to its collectibility. On the bottom right, Erte’s stylized signature is visible alongside a chop mark or embossed seal often used by Sevenarts Ltd or Chalk & Vermilion, his primary publishers. The print is professionally housed in a contemporary silver-toned metal frame with a deep profile, providing a clean, modern aesthetic that contrasts with the ornate details of the print. The condition appears excellent with no visible fading, foxing, or moisture damage to the paper. The registration of colors is sharp, a hallmark of high-quality serigraphy where multiple layers of ink are applied to create a tactile, saturated surface. This piece likely dates from the 1980s, a period when Erté experienced a major career revival and produced his most popular graphic editions.
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