Leetag Tahiti Appraisal

Leetag Tahiti Mid-Century Velvet Painting Print

This item is a vintage mid-century reproduction print of an original black velvet painting by Edgar Leeteg (1904–1953), known as the 'Father of American Velvet Painting.' The artwork depicts a Tahitian subject in a characteristic Polynesian style. Physically, the piece appears to be a textured print mounted on a rigid substrate or canvas, mimicking the appearance of velvet. The color palette is dominated by dark, moody tones with bronzed, golden typography reading 'LEETEG TAHITI' prominently in the center. Small copyright text at the bottom reads '© HAWAII ARTS LTD. 58,' indicating a 1958 production date. The condition shows visible signs of surface aging, including white localized specks that may be dust, mold spores, or surface abrasions. The texture across the image is pebbled or stippled, consistent with lithographic spray or mid-century printing processes. There are signs of fading or darkening of the original pigment. Such pieces were popular mass-produced souvenirs from the post-war Tiki culture era, showcasing the stylized, romanticized aesthetic of the South Pacific. The quality is commercial-grade for the mid-20th century, representing a significant piece of Hawaiiana and Tiki-revival history.