Edgar Leeteg (1904-1953) 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. 

This is an original signed by Leeteg - 21" x 27" framed in Koa with a gold-painted wood fillet.  It is in very good condition with no evidence of any surface problems.  This genre portrayal of a Tahitian chief is perhaps one of the artist's most seen velvet paintings.  The scar appearing on the chief's forehead seems like a battle wound.  

Provenance:  This painting was obtained at an exclusive Honolulu art gallery in 2008.  The painting was originally from the famous Davis Gallery in Waikiki and it still has the gallery label on the back in good condition.  

The piece comes with a certificate of authentication that was prepared for Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School by James J. Hustace, a State of Hawaii Registered Fine Art Appraiser and also a Certified Member of International Fine Art Appraisers.  Supporting the appraisal is James Edward Hustace, also a Certified Member of International Fine Art Appraisers.  

Artist Biography:  Leeteg was born in St. Louis, Missouri.  He initially worked as a billboard painter and sign writer in California before losing his job due to the Depression.  Taking a small inheritance, he 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.

His best work was done between 1933 and 1953.  He lived in Cook’s Bay, Tahiti.  His main subject was beautiful Polynesian women, and he painted them amidst their background, their culture and their history…and the color of the paintings and detail eventually made him famous. 

Leeteg’s popularity soared following a fortunate meeting with Honolulu art gallery owner Bernard Davis, who became his agent and patron.  Davis branded Leeteg the “American Gauguin,” and soon the paintings were being sold for thousands of dollars. 

Leeteg died at age 49 of a motorcycle crash. 

Original paintings by this master appear at auction houses or private estate sales from time to time, and always generate interest because of the nostalgic lifestyle of the South Seas.  Numerous books have been written on black velvet art, always attributing Leeteg as the great master.