Evening Shadows (or similar genre title within the "Women in Interiors" series)
Limited edition print, likely a lithograph or serigraph on paper • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Post-Impressionism influence; often associated with 'Commercial Modernism' or 'Decorative Figurative Art'.
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (silk screening) or lithography; characterized by flat areas of saturated color, crisp line work, and stylized tonal gradations in the background.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 48 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format; framed with a black mat and ornate gold-toned wood frame.
Subject Description
The artwork depicts two stylish women seated in a decorative cafe or lounge setting, a hallmark of the artist's style. The composition features fluid, organic shapes in the clothing (patterns and swirls), a floral vase centerpiece, and a 'painting within a painting' on the back wall. It conveys a sense of languid leisure and feminine companionship with a focus on color harmony rather than realistic perspective.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant through the glass, though the bowing of the paper against the mat suggests slight undulation.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 (for a signed and numbered limited edition print in this large format)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $700
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), where Tarkay was a featured artist for decades.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the global commercial art market, known for modernizing the 'salon' style of Matisse and Lautrec. His work is transitionary between high art and decorative design, representing the popularity of figurative abstraction in the late 20th century.
Notable Features
Includes a visible edition number (lower left) and the artist's characteristic fluid signature (lower right). The use of the 'picture-within-the-picture' is a notable compositional device used frequently by the artist.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper support ('cockling') indicates potential humidity exposure or improper mounting. Potential UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight (though colors currently look saturated).
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend professional re-mounting using archival acid-free materials to flatten the sheet. Ensure the glass is UV-protective to prevent the signature and pigments from fading over time.