Afternoon Tea (also known as Les Heures Bleues)
Print, limited edition lithograph (Epreuve d'Artiste/Artist's Proof) • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Modern Impressionism. Influenced heavily by Post-Impressionism, specifically Matisse and the Fauves, characterized by bold colors and a sense of calm, bourgeois leisure.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography on heavy woven paper. The technique involves a layering of flat color planes and textured stippling to create a velvety, saturated aesthetic typical of fine-art printmaking.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches (image), Landscape format. Housed in a gilded wood frame with a wide white mat.
Subject Description
The composition depicts a group of elegantly dressed women in a social cafe setting. Two foreground figures are seated at a table featuring a prominent vase of blue hydrangeas and tea service. The background features more figures seated at a circular table. The scene emphasizes femininity, relaxation, and decorative interior design with high-contrast color blocking.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The colors remain vibrant with no visible fading from UV exposure. The paper appears flat without evidence of moisture damage or warping.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'AP 12/45' in the lower left, indicating it is an Artist's Proof from a limited run. Likely originally sold through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), where the artist had significant representation.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a seminal figure in the commercial modern art movement of the late 20th century. Although often viewed as 'decorative,' his work is internationally recognized for its unique blend of commercial appeal and technical mastery of color and composition, reflecting an idealized, nostalgic view of European social life.
Notable Features
Includes a visible pencil signature by the artist in the lower right and the 'AP' (Artist Proof) designation. The checkered flooring and the specific blue vase are recurring motifs in Tarkay's interior scenes.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation under the glass. Possible slight yellowing of the mat board or adhesive residue at the mounting points not visible from the front. The frame shows minor edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is kept behind UV-protective glass. Verify that the matting is acid-free to prevent 'mat burn.' Avoid placement in direct sunlight or high-humidity areas.