VTG Edgar William Leeteg Old Tahitian Chief on Blk Velvet Reproduction 23x19

Description

Vintage Edgar William Leeteg Old Tahitian Chief on Black Velvet Reproduction Framed 23x19, Artwork measures 17"X13". Posted on back of painting: "This is an authentic reproduction of a masterpiece by the world-famous artist Edgar Leeteg of Tahiti. The painting is hand finished by the son of the great artist, Edgar Leeteg Jr. who, in possession of his father's secret techniques, is accomplished as a velvet artist in his own right."
CONDITION: The artwork is in good condition. No physical damage or stray marks. Little dusty but I did brush as advised on back of painting. Please review all photos closely for condition. Message if you have any questions or would like additional photos.
Edgar Leeteg. American (1904-1953). Tahitian Chief. Reproduction from an original oil on black velvet by Leeteg of Tahiti. Published and copyrighted 1956.
Edgar Leeteg
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edgar Leeteg (1904 St. Louis, Missouri - 1953) was an
American
painter often considered the father of
American
velvet painting. Before Leeteg, black velvet painting was primarily considered a hobby, not an
art.
Leeteg initially worked as a billboard painter and sign writer in California before losing his job due to the depression. Taking a small inheritance, Leeteg moved to Tahiti in 1933 with a few
brushes
and some paint stolen from his previous employer. Using the women of the island as his models, he sold paintings to visiting sailors.
Leeteg's best work was done between the years 1933 and 1953. He lived in Cook's Bay, Tahiti using the dark skinned women of the island as his models. His main subject was beautiful Polynesian women, and he painted them amidst their
background
, their
culture
and their history. The eroticism,
colour
and detail of these paintings made him famous.
Leeteg's popularity soared following a fortunate meeting with Honolulu
art
gallery
owner Bernard Davis, who became his patron. It was with Davis' help that Leeteg built his great Villa Velour estate in Tahiti. Davis worked as Leeteg's agent and they had a fruitful and profitable relationship together. His paintings were popular in bars in America and Polynesia.
Davis branded Leeteg the 'American
Gauguin', and soon Leeteg's paintings were being sold for thousands of dollars. However, fame as an
artist
is something he never expected saying "My paintings
belong
in a gin mill, not a museum. If this modern crap is
art, then just call my paintings beautiful. Don't call them
art."
Edgar Leeteg died in 1953 of a motorcycle crash at the age of 49.