Notes

Vladimir Tretchikoff's enduring fascination with the floral kingdom is evident across his body of work, from a single orchid artfully contrasted against the simple backdrop of a staircase, to elaborate floral arrangements or his iconic flower seller paintings. It is thus fitting that the indigenous South African Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) became a recurring subject in his still life paintings.

In this composition, Tretchikoff demonstrates his signature approach to balance and clarity. The glass jug, centrally placed, reflects a nearby window with quiet precision, subtly illuminating the vessel's contours. The artist ingeniously breaks the vertical rhythm of the tall, graceful stems by arching one bloom in front of the others, introducing a dynamic counterpoint to the otherwise upright arrangement.

With thick impasto brushstrokes, a hallmark of Tretchikoff's painterly style, the petals are rendered in rich hues of yellow, orange, deep pink and red, creating a splendid sculptural quality. The contrast between the brightly coloured flowers and the muted brown surface, set against a deep midnight blue backdrop, heightens the dramatic impact. This careful orchestration of colour and form underscores Tretchikoff's ability to elevate a subject into an almost theatrical presence.