Vintage Balinese Girl print by Tretchikoff

This work is a vintage original print by Vladimir Tretchikoff (1913–2006), the Russian-born South African painter often dubbed “the King of Kitsch.” Tretchikoff rose to international fame in the 1950s and 60s for his highly stylised portraits, still lifes, and exotic subjects, which were reproduced in the millions and hung in homes across the world.

The image shows a striking woman draped in a vibrant green turban and gold jewellery, her poise and serene expression contrasted against a richly textured abstract background. Tretchikoff’s hallmark style is here in full force: dramatic colour contrasts, smooth modelling of the face and figure, and a theatrical glamour that makes his works instantly recognisable.

What makes this print especially significant is its place in cultural history. During the mid-20th century, Tretchikoff’s reproductions outsold even Picasso’s, and works like The Green Lady became icons of postwar domestic interiors. Once dismissed as kitsch, his art has since been embraced by collectors, design historians, and galleries, with original works fetching strong results at auction. Vintage prints like this one capture the spirit of the era — bold, glamorous, and accessible — and remain highly collectible today.