Two Women (or Deux Femmes)
Limited edition print (lithograph or serigraph) on heavy wove paper • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Neo-Impressionism with Faux-Fauvist influences
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/serigraphy with flat color planes and bold gestural lines
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 32 inches, horizontal landscape orientation
Subject Description
The composition depicts two stylish women seated in a cafe or lounge setting. It features the artist's signature elongated figures, pensive expressions, and elegant attire. The background consists of abstract blocks of vibrant primary and secondary colors, emphasizing mood over realism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The image appears vibrant; however, there is noticeable reflection from the glass and potential slight rippling of the paper along the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Numbered '292/350' in the lower left and signed 'Tarkay' in the plate or by hand in the lower right. Likely purchased from a commercial gallery or cruise ship auction which frequently distributed Tarkay prints.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a central figure in the modern figurative movement. His work is heavily inspired by French Post-Impressionists like Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec, focusing on the sophisticated lives of women and domestic interiors through a lens of decorative harmony and color theory.
Notable Features
Features a prominent edition number (292/350) and the artist's recognizable stylized signature in the lower right corner. The use of bold color contrast between the yellow hat and the deep purple/green garments is characteristic of his best-known period.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper indicates possible humidity exposure or lack of proper mounting. Some minor light-fading is common with prints of this era if not protected by UV-filtering glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass to prevent further fading and address the paper rippling.