Tretchikoff by Richard Buncher, with a foreword by Prebble Rayner, is a visually rich coffee table book with both color & black and white prints, that explores the early work of Vladimir Tretchikoff, one of South Africa’s most commercially successful and controversial artists. Published in 1950 by Howard Timmins, this book captures the bold colours, exotic subjects, and theatrical flair that made Tretchikoff a household name both locally and internationally.
Lavishly illustrated, the book offers full-page reproductions & larger fold-outs of Tretchikoff’s iconic paintings, including early portraits and still lifes, and situates his work within the broader narrative of post-war modernism and mass-market art. Buncher's text provides accessible commentary on the artist’s style, themes, and rapid rise in popularity, making this a seminal publication for collectors and admirers of mid-century South African art.
About Prebble Rayner: In the 1950s South African art scene, Prebble Rayner was a prominent gallerist and art dealer, best known for championing contemporary South African artists during a time when modernist and populist styles were gaining ground. As the director of The Lidchi Gallery in Johannesburg, Rayner played a key role in bringing Tretchikoff’s work to broader audiences, despite critical resistance from the fine art establishment. Her foreword in this book underscores her early and public support of Tretchikoff, helping to validate his work within a commercial and cultural context.
Condition:
Overall, in good condition, given its date of publication.
Note - Two colour prints were missing, and we replaced them with professional prints. The two replaced prints:
- No. 6. Red Cannas
- No. 26. Alicia Markova "The Dying Swan"
Dimensions:
29cm W X 2cm D X 39.5cm H.
Shipping:
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Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will typically point out any visible or notable concerns. Please note that all photos are for reference only, or view the item in-store before purchasing.