Vladimir Tretchikoff (1913–2006) was a South African painter of Russian descent, known for his vibrant and accessible artworks that gained immense popularity during the mid-20th century. Often referred to as the "King of Kitsch," Tretchikoff created some of the most commercially successful artworks of his time, bridging the gap between fine art and popular culture. His most iconic painting, The Chinese Girl (also known as The Green Lady), became one of the best-selling art prints in history. Birth: Vladimir Griegorovich Tretchikoff was born on December 13, 1913, in Petropavlovsk, Russian Empire (modern-day Kazakhstan). Family and Upheaval: After the Russian Revolution, his family fled to Harbin, China, where he grew up and began his artistic journey. Early Artistic Pursuits: In Harbin, Tretchikoff received formal training in fine art and worked as an illustrator and cartoonist, refining his skills in drawing and composition. Numerous key galleries and museums such as South African National Gallery, Iziko Museums have featured Vladimir Tretchikoff's work in the past. Vladimir Tretchikoff's work has been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 4 USD to 1,486,424 USD, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Since 2001 the record price for this artist at auction is 1,486,424 USD for 'Chinese Girl', sold at Bonhams New Bond Street in 2013. In the past 12 months, his paintings have averaged 60,001 USD, while his sculptures have sold for an average of 797 USD. Vladimir Tretchikoff has been featured in articles for World Art News, Mail & Guardian and Art South Africa. The most recent article is At the Musée International des Arts Modestes, in Sète, Mass-Market Painting Goes on Show written for Le Monde in August 2024. The artist died in 2006.