Afternoon Tea (Two Women Seated)
Print on paper, likely a serigraph (silkscreen) or lithograph • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Pop Art influence with roots in Fauvism and Post-Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy or high-quality lithographic printing with bold, flat areas of color, sharp outlines, and decorative patterns
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (approximately 1980-2005)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 48 inches (exclusive of frame); Large-scale horizontal landscape orientation
Subject Description
Two elegant women seated in a cafe or lounge setting, surrounded by vibrant colors, floral arrangements, and a framed picture on the wall. The piece captures a sense of leisure and contemplative quietude through stylized figures and bold geometric patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no obvious fading, under glass in a decorative ornate frame
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (depending on whether it is a hand-embellished serigraph)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), where Tarkay's editions were widely distributed
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a progenitor of the modern 'social elegance' style; his work is highly recognizable for bringing a modern, graphic sensibility to themes of European cafe culture.
Notable Features
Includes a visible signature in the lower right and an edition number in the lower left; features signature Tarkay motifs like the 'picture within a picture' and stylized facial features
Condition Issues
None visible from the photograph; possibility of minor paper rippling or mild acidic toning from original matting if not archival
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is kept out of direct UV light to prevent color fading; if not already present, upgrade to UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting