Two Ladies at a Table (possibly 'Afternoon Tea' or 'Social Gathering')
Print, specifically a limited edition serigraph (silkscreen) on heavy paper • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative with influences of Fauvism and Post-Impressionism (specifically Matissian influence)
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (silkscreen printing) characterized by vibrant, flat planes of color and sharp outlines; likely utilizes high-density inks on archival paper
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated image size 24 x 30 inches, framed to approximately 36 x 42 inches
Subject Description
The composition features two elegant, stylized women seated at a table with a floral centerpiece. The woman on the left wears a blue dress, while the woman in the foreground wears a patterned red gown. The scene conveys a sense of quiet leisure and sophisticated domesticity, utilizing bold color blocks and serpentine lines characteristic of Tarkay's focus on the female form in cafe or parlor settings.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no visible fading, though it is housed behind glass which protects the ink layers
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (dependent on edition size and proof type)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), where Tarkay’s work was widely distributed during his peak career years
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a seminal figure in the modern 'Lifestyle Art' movement. His work is significant for bridging the gap between commercial popularity and fine art, heavily drawing on the aesthetic of Henri Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec to create a timeless, idealized view of European social life.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature in the lower right and an edition number (e.g., 'EA' or 'AP' or a specific number) in the lower left; housed in a decorative gilt 'closed-corner' style frame popular in the 1990s gallery market
Condition Issues
Minor frame abrasions; possible slight undulation (cockling) of the paper due to humidity if not dry-mounted; no visible foxing or acid burns from the matting
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting; avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent the vibrant yellows and reds from fading; maintain a stable humidity environment