Large Black Velvet Nude Original Signed by Ralph Tyree Quality Equal to that of Master of Black Velvet Leeteg Start Price USD 4,195.00 Current Price USD 4,195.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, August 21, 2008 End Time Sunday, August 31, 2008 Location Metamora, Indiana See more about 'Large Black Velvet Nude Original Signed by Ralph Tyree ' Description Nude on Black Velvet Signed lower right "Tyree", Ralph Burke Tyree Contemporary of Edgar Leeteg Ralph Tyree:  According to the Hawaii Gallery of Fine Art, Tyree was the protégé (and contemporary) of Edgar Leeteg, who is considered the father of Oil on Velvet art. Both men focused on Polynesian themes, currently referred to as Tiki art. However, many would (and do) argue that Tyree’s work even surpassed that of Leeteg: As quoted from Polynesian art expert, Otto Von Stroheim of Tiki News: “Burke Tyree's technique and composition arguably surpassed that of the legendary master of velvet (Edgar Leeteg). Rarely seen on exhibit or for sale, these paintings are valuable pieces of pre-Tiki art history." Tyree painted from the early 1950s until the late 1960’s The photos below have been doctored to blur the breasts, because ebay already cancelled this auction one time stating it had to go in the "Mature Audiences" category because it showed full frontal nudity- didn't matter that this art category has many much more graphic photos than my beautiful painting.  So to auction it again in the art section, I have blurred out the breasts.  They can be seen in their detailed, unblurred glory by going to http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg175/smellygourmet/hendricks/Batch5/BigNude2_sm.jpg . Shipping to be at my expense anywhere in lower 48 states ONLY (Shipping anywhere else to be at purchaser's expense, to be calculated once I know your adddress, and will be expensive due to large size of painting) with insurance for purchase value. Payment expected within three days of auction end, either by Paypal or via major credit card through my merchant account (by telephone); cashier's check acceptable, but no checks or money orders.   Place a Bid!