Two Women Seated at a Café by the Water
Original painting on paper • Attributed to Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative, influenced by Post-Impressionism and Fauvism
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and ink on paper using a wet-on-wet technique with delicate graphite or ink outlines
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
Two stylized, elegant women are seated at a small round café table facing each other. On the table is a tea set and a bowl of fruit. The background features a tranquil seaside landscape with small colorful houses and a boat. The composition is calm and meditative, focusing on the social leisure of women.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; pigments remain vibrant with no visible foxing, fading, or mechanical damage
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD (depending on medium verification as an original vs. a hand-embellished print)
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a commercial gallery specializing in contemporary figurative art or through an estate auction; no visible labels on the recto
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a seminal figure in the modern figurative movement, known for his depictions of the 'quietude' of womanhood. His work draws heavily from Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec, bridgeing classical cafe-culture themes with a modern, lyrical color palette.
Notable Features
Signature located in the lower right corner; characteristic elongated features and 'floating' color fields typical of the artist's mature period; housed in a high-quality decorative gilt frame with a deep black mat.
Condition Issues
Minor rippling of the paper support consistent with watercolor application; no significant conservation concerns visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is framed with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent fading of the delicate watercolor pigments.