Strauss & Co, Africa’s premier auction house, will feature Vladimir Tretchikoff’s iconic Lady from the Orient as the centerpiece of its flagship live sale on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, in Johannesburg.
This masterpiece is expected to fetch between R5 million and R7 million (roughly $266,790–$373,534). Completed in 1955, Lady from the Orient also stands as one of Tretchikoff’s most celebrated works, admired for its captivating portrayal of an elegant woman in traditional attire.
The painting’s distinctive blue-green palette, a signature of Tretchikoff’s finest portraits, bestows the subject with a sense of nobility and grace. By blending realism with an exotic allure, Tretchikoff masterfully captures the essence of his subjects with vivid and intricate detail.
Born in Russia, Tretchikoff moved to Cape Town in 1946, where he rose to international fame through his bold portraiture and also innovative marketing techniques. These techniques prefigured the Pop Art movement. His works, such as Chinese Girl and Balinese Girl, became among the best-selling art prints of the twentieth century. Art critics frequently criticized Tretchikoff, but his popularity with the general public remained unwavering throughout his career and continues to endure today.
The upcoming auction at Strauss & Co will attract significant interest from collectors and art lovers around the globe. Established in 2009, Strauss & Co has quickly become a leader in the art market, offering a wide range of items from both South African and international artists. The auction house earns renown for its commitment to excellence, hosting sales that feature high-quality works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Strauss & Co leverages its expertise in modern and contemporary South African art to shape the country’s art landscape. Its auctions attract collectors, curators, and investors, further cementing its status as a leading auction house in Africa.
