For a few years now, I’ve run the Tretchikoff license. I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of reproductions and we’ve sold endless prints of his iconic works, from Chinese Girl to Balinese Girl, and of course, Lady from the Orient.
I’ll admit it: after seeing Lady from the Orient so many times on paper, canvas, bags, books, cushions, wallpaper, and candles, that familiarity had dulled my appreciation for it. It became just another best-seller in our catalogue. But that changed recently.
When I heard the original Lady from the Orient had been repatriated to South Africa and was going up for auction at Strauss & Co in Johannesburg, I went to see it - more out of professional curiosity than excitement. But standing in front of the original canvas, I was floored. Now, I’ve seen my fair share of Tretchikoff paintings in real life but this is not just another Tretchikoff.
This is the Tretchikoff.
The brushwork, the detail, the glow of the paint - it’s a masterpiece in every sense. For the first time, I truly felt the artwork. It’s vibrant, refined, and emotionally charged. I was completely floored. What I thought I knew from years of handling prints was blown away by the depth and quality of the real thing. Lady from the Orient is museum-grade. More than that - it deserves to be in a museum for everybody to see (although I believe Tretchi would dismiss the idea of his work being put in a museum). Every inch of this painting reveals the immense talent of Tretchikoff at his peak. It carries an emotional presence that you simply can’t unsee.
While many know Chinese Girl as his most iconic piece - especially after it sold for almost £1 million more than a decade ago - I believe Lady from the Orient is even more significant. And I say this from experience, from being on the backend of years of international print and product sales. This painting, right now, is the most recognized and revered Tretchikoff in the market. Strauss & Co have estimated R5-7 million on it - some might scoff at that, but honestly.. I think that’s modest. After seeing the painting firsthand, I believe it could - and should - sell for far more. This isn’t just a piece of South African art history. It’s a cornerstone of 20th-century portraiture. We’ve seen it here - Lady from the Orient has quietly become the most popular and requested Tretchikoff piece in recent years. This painting has captured the public’s imagination once again.
If you're a fan of this work, or if you’ve recently discovered it and been captivated, you don’t need to wait for a million-rand auction to enjoy it in your space. We offer the only licensed, high-quality reproductions of Lady from the Orient (and many others) - faithfully produced to honour the original. Whether you’re decorating a home, a gallery wall, or gifting a piece of South African heritage, these prints bring the beauty and drama of Tretchikoff’s vision into everyday life.
Whether you see it in a gallery or hanging on your own wall, one thing is clear - Lady from the Orient isn’t just one of Tretchikoff’s best; it may well be his defining masterpiece.