Erte Cloudy Morning Limited Edition Print

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) remains one of the most recognizable names in Art Deco, and his limited edition prints are a core collecting category for twentieth‑century decorative arts enthusiasts. Among the sought-after images is Cloudy Morning, a stylized female figure composition in Erté’s signature elongated forms and refined color fields. This guide is designed for appraisal-minded readers who want to identify authentic impressions, assess condition, compare values, and care for an example in their own collection.

What collectors mean by “Cloudy Morning”

Erté produced a large body of limited edition prints from the 1970s through the 1990s. Cloudy Morning is one of his popular morning-themed images, often encountered as a hand-signed, numbered edition in screenprint (serigraph) or lithograph form on heavy rag paper. Because Erté’s publisher network released many images in multiple formats and edition states, you will find:

• Standard numbered editions in Arabic numerals (e.g., 123/300)
• Artist’s proofs (A.P.), Hors Commerce (H.C.), or Roman numeral editions for collaborators
• Occasional deluxe variants (e.g., with embossing, metallic accents, or different palettes), depending on the title

Publishers commonly associated with Erté’s graphic works include Circle Fine Art and Dyansen Galleries, among others. The precise edition size and printing technique for a given Cloudy Morning impression can vary by release; consult the print itself and any accompanying documentation rather than relying on generalized figures.

Subject matter and style cues that align with Cloudy Morning include:

• A poised, fashion-forward female figure in a restrained Art Deco palette
• Clean, flat color planes, elegant contouring, and theatrical presentation
• A vertical composition with balanced negative space

If you are matching a print to this title for cataloging purposes, corroborate the title as printed on the certificate or on the verso label; absent that, verify through a match to publisher documentation and known catalog illustrations.

Edition anatomy and authentication cues

Erté’s limited edition prints reward careful eye work. The following markers help you determine authenticity and edition specifics for Cloudy Morning:

• Signature: A graphite (pencil) signature “Erté” at the lower right margin is standard on authentic limited editions. It should be hand-applied with pressure variation, not mechanically flat. The accent on the “é” may appear, but it is not the sole litmus test; handwriting character is more important than the accent mark.
• Numbering: Lower left margin typically shows the edition fraction (e.g., 147/300). Artist’s proofs are often annotated “A.P.” with a fraction (e.g., A.P. 15/30). H.C. impressions are marked “H.C.” Roman numeral editions (e.g., XX/XXX) exist for some titles.
• Title: Many examples carry the printed or handwritten title on the margin or are accompanied by a publisher label or certificate stating “Cloudy Morning.”
• Paper: Heavy, quality rag paper with a deckled edge on at least one side is common. Watermarks from fine papermakers (e.g., Arches, Somerset, or similar) may be present when held to light.
• Printer/publisher marks: Look for a blind stamp (embossed seal) near the margin or a printed chop identifying the printer or publisher. The placement varies; examine both lower corners and sometimes the lower center margin.
• Technique telltales:
  • Serigraphs (screenprints) show solid, opaque layers with crisp separations and sometimes slight ink sit-up on the surface.
  • Lithographs show flatter ink lay but still uniform color areas; under magnification, you should not see CMYK halftone dots typical of offset reproductions.
• Certificates and labels: Original Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) from recognized publishers or gallery labels with the title, medium, and edition specifics add confidence. Retain invoices or catalog pages if available.

Red flags:

• Plate signature only (printed signature) without a pencil signature and number in the margin typically indicates an open edition poster, not a limited edition print.
• Halftone dots visible under 10x magnification usually indicate an offset reproduction rather than a serigraph or traditional lithograph.
• Uniform, machine-printed numbering or a signature that looks identical across multiple examples suggests a reproduction.
• Trimming that removes margins, chops, or the deckle edge reduces value and complicates authentication.

Condition and conservation issues that drive value

Paper-based works are highly condition-sensitive, and Erté’s flat color fields expose flaws readily.

Common condition issues:

• Fading: UV exposure can desaturate pigments. Compare protected areas under the mat or behind hinges to exposed areas.
• Mat burn and acid migration: Brown lines or overall toning from acidic mats and backings. Look at the window edge; a tan line indicates acid damage.
• Cockling/waviness: Humidity fluctuations can warp the sheet, especially when poorly hinged or tightly framed without spacers.
• Foxing: Brown micro-spots caused by mold or metal impurities in the paper, often intensified by humidity.
• Abrasions and scuffs: Serigraph surfaces can scuff; look across the surface in raking light.
• Creases and handling dents: These can be subtle but materially affect value in flat color areas.
• Staining and adhesive residues: Old pressure-sensitive tapes and glues can stain; check verso and corners.
• Trimming: Cut-down margins remove edition information and reduce desirability substantially.

Professional paper conservators can address many issues:

• Alkaline washing and deacidification (when appropriate) to reduce discoloration
• Removal of non-archival tapes and backings
• Light bleaching for localized discoloration under controlled conditions
• Humidification and flattening to reduce waviness

Because interventions alter the object, document before-and-after states and keep all reports and invoices; buyers and insurers value a transparent treatment history.

Framing best practices:

• 100% cotton rag or alpha-cellulose mat boards (pH neutral, lignin-free)
• UV-filtering glazing (acrylic is lighter and safer; glass is more scratch-resistant)
• Spacers to keep the print from contacting glazing
• Reversible hinges (Japanese paper and wheat starch paste) at the upper edge
• Ventilated, sealed backing and no direct sunlight display

Pricing, comparables, and market context

Erté’s market is mature and data-rich. The trajectory has included:

• A speculative boom in the 1980s driven by gallery networks and retail editions
• A correction in the 1990s as supply normalized
• Stable, selective demand today for strong images in excellent condition, with premiums for scarce variants and impeccable provenance

As a broad orientation, signed, numbered Erté serigraphs and lithographs in common edition sizes often trade on the secondary market within a mid-three to low-four-figure range, depending on image popularity, condition, and completeness (COA, original frame materials, provenance). Scarcer states, deluxe variants with embellishments, or low-survival titles can command higher prices.

Factors that move the needle for Cloudy Morning:

• Demand for the image: Recognizable, elegant compositions draw more bidders.
• Edition state: Standard numbered editions are most common; A.P., H.C., or Roman numeral impressions may carry a modest premium (often 0–20%), largely driven by desirability rather than serial rarity alone.
• Condition: Top condition can double the result versus a faded or stained example.
• Framing: Museum-quality, recent framing adds buyer confidence but does not substitute for condition; old, non-archival frames detract.
• Completeness: Presence of a publisher COA, gallery invoice, or early provenance increases liquidity.
• Market timing and venue: Fresh-to-market examples at reputable auctions and well-marketed online venues tend to outperform stale inventory.

If you are forming a value opinion, assemble multiple comparables of the same title across auction platforms and dealers, normalized for condition and edition state. Avoid anchoring on outliers; look for clusters of results within the last 24–36 months. When data for Cloudy Morning is thin, triangulate with adjacent Erté morning-themed prints of similar size, palette, and period.

Remember: replacement value for insurance is typically higher than fair market value used for estate or charitable contribution purposes. State clearly which standard you are using.

Appraisal workflow for “Cloudy Morning”

A disciplined approach produces reliable results:

1. Identify the work

• Confirm the title as Cloudy Morning using the margin title, COA, or matching imagery.
• Note medium (serigraph vs lithograph), paper type, dimensions (image and sheet), and any special effects (embossing, metallics).

2. Document edition details

• Record the pencil signature, edition fraction, and any proof annotations (A.P., H.C., Roman numerals).
• Photograph the margin inscriptions, blind stamps, and any verso labels.

3. Evaluate condition

• Inspect unframed if possible. Check for fading, mat burn, foxing, cockling, creases, and stains.
• Note framing materials (UV glazing, archival matting) and whether removal is recommended.

4. Verify authenticity

• Under magnification, confirm print technique characteristics and absence of offset halftone dots.
• Cross-check publisher/printer chops and watermarks when present.
• Corroborate with paperwork (COA, invoices, gallery labels).

5. Research comparables

• Compile recent sales of Cloudy Morning; adjust for edition state and condition.
• When necessary, include closely related Erté prints to establish a value band.

6. Conclude value

• Select the appropriate standard (fair market vs retail replacement).
• Provide a value range with rationale tied to the comparables and condition analysis.

7. Recommend care

• If needed, propose conservation, reframing to archival standards, and proper storage.
• Advise on insurance scheduling and documentation retention.

Quick appraisal checklist

• Title/medium confirmed (Cloudy Morning; serigraph or lithograph)
• Pencil signature present and authentic
• Edition fraction or proof notation recorded
• Publisher/printer blind stamp or watermark noted
• Dimensions measured (image and sheet)
• Condition issues identified (fading, mat burn, foxing, creases, stains)
• Framing materials assessed (UV glazing, archival mat, reversible hinges)
• Documentation gathered (COA, invoices, labels, provenance)
• Technique verified under magnification (no halftone dots)
• Comparable sales compiled and normalized
• Value conclusion stated with standard (FMV or replacement)
• Recommendations for conservation/storage provided

Storage, insurance, and long-term care

If you are not displaying the print, store it in an archival portfolio or flat file with interleaving acid-free tissue. Keep the environment stable: relative humidity around 40–55% and temperature below 75°F, avoiding basements and attics. For long-term display, rotate off the wall periodically to limit cumulative light exposure.

Insurance tips:

• Schedule the print with an updated replacement value based on recent retail asking prices and strong auction results.
• Maintain a dossier: condition report, photographs (front, back, details), invoices, COA, and any conservation reports.
• Reappraise every 3–5 years or after significant conservation.

For heirs or future sales, an organized paper trail enhances liquidity and trust, often translating into better net proceeds.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my Cloudy Morning is a genuine limited edition and not a poster? A: Look for a hand-signed pencil signature, a hand-written edition number (e.g., 123/300), and quality rag paper with a deckle edge. Under magnification, authentic serigraphs and lithographs lack the CMYK dot pattern of offset posters. Publisher blind stamps and watermarks further support authenticity.

Q: Do lower edition numbers (e.g., 5/300) make a print more valuable? A: Generally no. For modern editions like Erté’s, number sequence rarely affects price. Condition, image desirability, edition state (standard vs A.P./H.C./Roman numerals), and provenance are far more influential.

Q: Is it worth conserving a print with mat burn or foxing? A: Often yes. Professional treatment can significantly improve appearance and stabilize the work, which may narrow the discount versus a pristine example. Seek a paper conservator’s written proposal and weigh costs against the expected value lift.

Q: What’s the typical size of Cloudy Morning? A: Sizes vary by edition and margins. Measure both image and full sheet. Use those measurements, plus publisher data and labels, to match your impression to known edition specs.

Q: Does a certificate of authenticity matter? A: A COA from the original publisher or a reputable gallery helps, especially when paired with matching edition details. While not a substitute for physical examination, it adds confidence and supports insurance and resale.

By approaching Erté’s Cloudy Morning with careful identification, clear condition analysis, and a disciplined comparable search, you can form a defensible value opinion and preserve the print for the long term. Collectors reward clarity—both in the ink and in the paperwork—so document thoroughly and frame to museum standards to protect both the image and its market standing.