Erté - The Kiss
Erté (Romain de Tirtoff)
"The Kiss", aka "le souper galant", 1975
Lithograph, 262/300
Image Size: 10.5" x 8"
Framed Size: 15.25" x 12" with acid-free materials
Art Deco!
I came across illustrations of Erte’s work in a magazine in the early 70’s. I was immediately taken. I cut out two pages from the magazine and had them framed. They are still hanging in my home today.
Shortly thereafter, in the mid 70’s, I went to a private showing of Erté’s limited edition prints at the home of a Toronto art dealer. I purchased two of the prints which have also been in my home ever since. They are now being offered for sale.
This one entitled “The Kiss” is a rare lithograph and I have seen it offered for sale in the US for $9,600. The original limited edition lithographs, signed by the artist, should not be confused with the reproductions of this image that are for sale quite cheaply.
“The Kiss", also known as “le souper galant”, has an embossed outline of a man’s face as he leans down to share a kiss with a very elegant, bejewelled and willing recipient. Inside the body of the woman’s figure are the words “le souper galant”. I am unsure as to the exact translation. The closest I can come to is “the gallant supper”.