Erté Art Deco Bronze Sculpture 'The Fan'

This is a cold-painted bronze sculpture titled 'The Fan' by the acclaimed Art Deco artist Romain de Tirtoff, known as Erté. This piece is characteristic of his highly stylized, elegant approach to the human form, likely dating from the late 20th-century production runs (circa 1980s-1990s). The sculpture features a slender, graceful female figure in a dynamic pose, holding an oversized, ornate ruyi-style fan. The material is cast bronze with a sophisticated multi-tonal finish, utilizing dark patinas contrasted with bright gold leaf or gilded highlights on the drapery and the fan's intricate relief. The figure's skin is finished in a warm reddish-brown patina. Notable features include the elaborate butterfly-motif headdress and the flowing, stylized garment that wraps around her lower body, appearing almost like smoke or waves. The craftsmanship is of high quality, showing detailed textural work on the fan and the base. Regarding condition, the piece appears well-maintained with a healthy patina; however, the gold gilding shows some minor dust accumulation and light surface wear consistent with age and display on a shelf. The sculpture is mounted on a stepped, dark rectangular base which provides stability for its vertical, asymmetrical composition. This work exemplifies the Art Deco revival period and the luxurious aesthetic associated with Erté's fashion and theatrical designs.