Post #548394 by maui09 on Sat, Aug 14, 2010 8:28 AM

Hi I’m new to the forum and after doing a “SEARCH” this looked like the place I should respond to, if not, please let me know.

I have a couple of questions about the copy being offered on eBay by “angler805”.
On the painting it bears the signature, "Leeteg", below that the word "Tahiti" and below that, in the same style printing and in same color paint, the word "Copy". There is nothing on the front or back, that I can see, that would indicate who made the copy.
On the back is the embossed Davis Gallery Tag and an additional paper tag that says "TITLE: Hina Rapa" and below that it says "NUMBER:" and the number "2". Below that it says: “This is an authentic COPY of one of Leeteg of Tahiti most popular BLACK VELVET masterpieces… It then explains cleaning instructions an ends with the Davis Gallery logo, 910 ALA MOANA BLVD., Honolulu 14 Hawaii, NO COPYING PERMITTED……………………, Exclusive International Headquarters for Leeteg of Tahiti Black Velvet Paintings.
I’m guessing that if this is just a copy from some unknown artist it is at least an old one and was commissioned by or at least authenticated by Davis Galley, what ever that might mean. I read that Leeteg painted 24 or so copies of Hina Rapa after he sold the first one. Does anyone know how they were signed? Would the copies Leeteg painted have the word “Copy” or would they all be considered originals? Why would this particular copy be designated as “NUMBER: 2” on the “authentic copy” label? Any idea what an “Authentic Copy” would mean?
Any light that could be shed on this particular copy would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks for any help you can offer,

Maui09