Vladimir Tretchikoff, the celebrated painter born in Russia and later based in Cape Town, is making waves with his renowned artwork at Strauss & Co’s September Auction Week.

From September 16 to 18, 2024, his striking painting, Balinese Girl, will be the highlight of the event.

A Glimpse into Tretchikoff’s Classic Era

Created between 1954 and 1956, Balinese Girl (estimated at R5-7 million) comes from a period of Tretchikoff’s career marked by his iconic works like Chinese Girl (1952) and Lady from Orient (1955).

According to Bina Genovese, Managing Executive at Strauss & Co, “Balinese Girl is a compelling portrait of a confident and elegant young woman, showcasing the artist’s skill at its peak.

The bluish-green color palette used to depict the subject’s skin tone was a technique Tretchikoff reserved for his most significant portraits.

It’s an honor to present this masterpiece in Cape Town, where Tretchikoff lived a vibrant and creative life after settling here in 1946.”

Tretchikoff’s Asian Influence

The painting reflects Tretchikoff’s deep connection with Asia, where he lived for various periods following the 1917 Russian Revolution, including stints in China, Singapore, and Indonesia.

Andrew Lamprecht, Curator of Historical Paintings and Sculpture at the Iziko South African National Gallery, highlights the dignified portrayal of the subject in Balinese Girl.

He notes, “Tretchikoff presents his sitter with great respect, showcasing her traditional attire and jewelry, and capturing the essence of glamour at a time when such subjects were often misrepresented.”

Additional Highlights and Historical Significance

Balinese Girl will be featured in Strauss & Co’s Evening Sale of Modern and Contemporary Art on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 19:00.

Another notable piece by Tretchikoff up for auction is Chrysanthemums in an Oriental Vase (estimated R800,000 – R1.2 million), previously owned by art collectors Mark and Elizabeth Harding from Kimberley.

Acquired in 1969, this work further solidifies the Hardings’ close relationship with Tretchikoff, allowing them to select exclusive pieces from his studio.

Despite his passing in 2006, Tretchikoff’s work continues to captivate collectors, with strong prices achieved for his portraits and flower studies from the late 1940s and 1950s.

In 2023, Strauss & Co sold Still Life with Magnolias in a Vase (1952) for R4.1 million, and in 2015, Zulu Maiden (1956) fetched R3.2 million.

Since 2009, Strauss & Co has auctioned 76 Tretchikoff works, collectively valued at R51 million, with 83% of lots sold.

Auction Week Schedule and Events

The September Auction Week in Cape Town features several events:

Live Virtual Events:
- A World in Clay: Hylton Nel’s Ceramic Studio on Tuesday, September 17 at 17:00.
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Evening Sale on Tuesday, September 17 at 19:00.
- Ways of Seeing: South African and International Photography on Wednesday, September 18 at 19:00.
Timed Online Sales:
- Modern and Contemporary Art: Day Sale from September 9 to 16.
- Mid-Century Modern Furniture from September 6 to 18.
- Burgundy and Champagne from September 6 to 18.
Pre-Auction Preview:
- Open from August 28 to September 18, weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Special appointments on September 7 and 8. For inquiries, contact Jean le Clus-Theron for art and Jill van Dugteren for furniture and design.
Events:
- Family Day: Colours of Spring, Flowers and Collage on September 14 at 09:30.
- Walkabout with Frank Kilbourn and the Specialists on September 14 at 12:30.
- Ways of Seeing Photography Talk and Film Screening on September 15 at 12:30.
- Pre-Auction Sundowners on September 17 at 16:00 (Ceramic Studio) and 18:00 (Modern and Contemporary Art Evening Sale), and on September 18 at 18:00 (Photography).