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TRETCHIKOFF, Vladimir : A 1pp. Typescript Signed Letter, on Hotel Bolton Square Letterhead, Dated 19th July 1954, Together with the Original Envelope, Addressed By Tretchikoff in His Hand

An interesting letter, dated 19th July 1954, discussing with the recipient the possibilities of a process for reproducing his paintings on canvas. Vladimir Grigoryevich Tretchikoff (13 December 1913 in Petropavlovsk, Russia, now Petropavl in Kazakhstan – 26 August 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa) was one of the most commercially successful artists of all time - his painting Chinese Girl (popularly known as "The Green Lady") is one of the best selling art prints ever. Tretchikoff was a self-taught artist who painted realistic figures, portraits, still life and animals, with subjects often inspired by his early life in China and Malaysia, and later life in South Africa. Tretchikoff's work was immensely popular with the general public, but is often seen by art critics as the epitome of kitsch (indeed, he was nicknamed the "King of Kitsch"). He worked in oil, watercolour, ink, charcoal and pencil but is best known for his reproduction prints which sold worldwide in huge numbers. The reproductions were so popular that it was said Tretchikoff was second only to Picasso in his popularity[. Despite his long life, letters are very uncommon. The letter here offered was written during the record-breaking US tour which established his international reputation. Around 19,000 people saw his show in Los Angeles and 51,000 in San Francisco. In Seattle, a rival show which included Picasso and Rothko sold fewer tickets, to Tretchikoff’s satisfaction. A million Americans finally saw his paintings, which then went on to Canada with equal success.

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