Dying Swan II (1951) - Tretchikoff Print

This work is Tretchikoff's second attempt at Dying Swan with renowned Prima Ballerina and Founder of the National Ballet, Dame Alicia Markova. As the model for these works, she was described as Tretchikoff’s ‘most stimulating sitter’.  This work is a poignant, evocative depiction of the fleeting nature of beauty and grace. This piece skilfully portrays the bittersweet story of the dying swan from the ballet, Swan Lake, encapsulating the haunting elegance of its final moments. The painting showcases the swan in its last dance, its graceful form portrayed with delicate precision.

Tretchikoff’s choice of cool, melancholic hues underlines the somber theme, while his detailed rendering captures the swan and ballerina’s inherent beauty, making it a compelling emblem of life’s impermanence. Dying Swan II is a reflection on the transient nature of life itself. Tretchikoff’s masterful blend of emotion and artistic skill is powerfully demonstrated in this piece, making it a thought-provoking addition to his celebrated portfolio.