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Edgar Leeteg

Edgar Leeteg (1904 - 1953) was active/lived in California, Missouri / Tahiti.  Edgar Leeteg is known for Sensuous paintings on black velvet of Polynesian women.

Edgar Leeteg was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He 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 and his main subject was the beautiful Polynesian woman whom he painted 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 Barney Davis, who became his patron. It was with   ...  [Displaying 1000 of 1713 characters.]  Artist bio

Artist auction records

.  askART's database currently holds 26 auction lots for Edgar Leeteg (of which 24 auction records sold and 0 are upcoming at auction.)

Artist artworks for sale and wanted

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Research resources

.  askART lists Edgar Leeteg in 0 of its research Essays. Edgar Leeteg has 10 artist signature examples available in our database.

Similar artists

.  There are 2 similar (related) artists for Edgar Leeteg available:    James Swinnerton,  William Keith