Afternoon Tea (from the 'Ladies who Lunch' or related series)
Print, specifically a color lithograph or serigraph on heavy wove paper • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Modernism, influenced by Fauvism and Post-Impressionism; often categorized as Contemporary Figurative art with a focus on 'Art Nouveau' and 'Belle Époque' aesthetics.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or serigraph with calligraphic line work and flat wash-like color planes. It features a hand-signed signature and an Artist's Proof (A.P.) numbering.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 10 x 10 inches; square format with a decorative mat and gold-toned frame.
Subject Description
The composition depicts three elegant women in a cafe or parlor setting. The foreground figure, in profile, holds a fan and wears a cloche hat, a hallmark of 1920s fashion. Two other women are seated at a table in the background near a teapot. The scene evokes a sense of leisurely, bourgeois social life with soft, languid lines and vibrant, yet sophisticated, color blocks.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paper appears bright with no visible foxing, yellowing, or acid burn. Colors remain vibrant and consistent.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $700 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'A.P. 36/45' (Artist's Proof) in the lower left and signed 'Tarkay' in the lower right. Likely acquired through a primary art dealer or a high-end gallery specializing in contemporary Israeli prints (e.g., Park West Gallery).
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a pivotal figure in the 20th-century commercial art market, known for his ability to synthesize the styles of Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec into a modern, accessible aesthetic. This piece is representative of his primary theme: the depiction of the feminine ideal in tranquil social settings.
Notable Features
The 'A.P.' (Artist Proof) designation alongside the signature adds desirability, as these are traditionally reserved for the artist or special distribution outside the standard numbered edition.
Condition Issues
None visible in provided imagery. The print appears well-protected under glazing and professionally matted.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the colored inks. Ensure use of acid-free archival mounting materials.