Three Women (suggested descriptive title)
Print - Limited Edition Lithograph or Serigraph on Paper • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Social Realism with influences from Fauvism and Post-Impressionism (reminiscent of Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec).
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or serigraphy featuring flat planes of color, bold outlines, and textured ink application characteristic of graphic printmaking.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 30 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
The composition depicts three elegant women in a cafe or parlor setting, a recurring motif in the artist's work. The central figure wears a vibrant yellow blouse and red hat/skirt, draped with a blue shawl. The background figures are more subtle, emphasizing themes of female leisure, quiet contemplation, and social grace. The iconography focuses on fashion, vibrant pattern-work, and stylized feminine forms.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good. The colors appear vibrant, though under glass in a frame. No immediate signs of significant foxing or water damage are visible in the photograph.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $1,200 (Subject to verification of edition size and specific print series)
Auction Estimate
$250 - $600
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), where Tarkay was heavily represented during his career. Numbering in the lower left and signature in the lower right indicate a limited edition run.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is recognized as a leading figure in modern figurative art, known for his unique 'non-academic' style that merged Middle Eastern influences with European modernism. His work is significant for its role in the late 20th-century commercial art boom and its focus on the 'eternal feminine.'
Notable Features
Distinctive elongated facial features and heavy-lidded eyes typical of Tarkay; hand-signed signature in the lower right margin; edition numbering in the lower left.
Condition Issues
Possible minor paper undulation or very light fading if it has been exposed to UV light for long periods. The frame shows some minor edge wear. Full assessment requires inspection out of the frame for mat burn or adhesive damage.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass or acrylic. Maintain a stable environment with 45-55% relative humidity.