In a landmark event for South African art, Vladimir Tretchikoff’s painting Lady from the Orient achieved a record-breaking sale at Strauss & Co’s modern and contemporary art auction in Johannesburg.
The artwork fetched R31 110 000 setting a new national record for the artist’s work.
Lady from the Orient, believed to have been painted between 1954 and 1956, is a captivating portrait of a young Indonesian woman in traditional attire.
This piece hails from Tretchikoff’s classic period, during which he created some of his most iconic works, including Chinese Girl (1952) and Balinese Girl (1956), were crafted in his Cape Town studio.
The painting was sold to a telephone bidder, highlighting the enduring appeal and demand for Tretchikoff’s art.
Known for his vivid portraiture and innovative marketing strategies that prefigured Pop Art, Tretchikoff’s works continue to resonate with collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
This sale not only underscores Tretchikoff’s significant place in South African art history but also reflects the robust interest in modern and contemporary art within the country. Strauss & Co’s successful auction further cements its position as a leading platform for art sales in Africa.
Article originally published by Cape Town ETC.
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Feature Image: Tretchikoff.co.za
