Seated Woman (possibly from the 'Elegance' or 'Femme' series)
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or serigraph • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Post-Impressionist revival, influenced by Henri Matisse and the Fauves.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or serigraphy featuring flat planes of color, stippled textures, and fluid, calligraphic linework.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches (image), landscape format, housed in a wide contemporary frame.
Subject Description
A stylishly dressed woman seated in a café or interior setting. The composition features a pensive female figure in a wide-brimmed hat, set against an abstract floral background with vibrant, saturation-heavy colors and decorative patterning.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no obvious fading, though there is some minor reflection suggesting standard glass windowing.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), commonly where Tarkay's editions were distributed.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a central figure in the modern figurative movement, known for portraying the 'eternal woman.' His work bridges the gap between commercial decorative art and refined Post-Impressionist aesthetics.
Notable Features
Features the artist's characteristic use of bold primary and secondary colors against delicate facial features; signed in the lower right margin.
Condition Issues
Possible minor paper undulation; potential for light acidity from non-archival matting depending on the framing materials used.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass to prevent the vibrant pigments from fading over time.