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.

I have virtually examined this cold-painted bronze sculpture titled 'The Fan' by Romain de Tirtoff (Erté). Based on the provided imagery, the piece exhibits the exceptional casting quality and intricate polychrome finishing indicative of the limited edition runs produced by SevenArts in the late 1980s. The application of gold leaf elements and the distinct reddish-brown patina on the skin areas appear consistent with known authentic examples. The condition is overall very good; while minor dust accumulation and light surface oxidation are present, the integrity of the delicate butterfly headdress and the structural stability of the asymmetrical pose remain intact. The market for Erté bronzes remains robust among Art Deco revival collectors. Recent auction results for 'The Fan' typically range between $4,000 and $7,000, depending on the specific edition number and the vibrancy of the gilding. High demand for this specific pose—a hallmark of Erté’s theatrical elegance—sustains its value. However, a definitive appraisal is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. I cannot verify the foundry mark or the artist’s signature from the current images. To confirm authenticity and full market value, an in-person examination is required to inspect the incised signature and edition number (e.g., fractional number) on the base. Furthermore, provenance documentation or a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Chalk & Vermilion or SevenArts would be necessary to distinguish this from high-quality contemporary reproductions.