Allegory of Temptation at the Table
Painting on stretched canvas • Nathacha Turovsky
Style & Movement
Contemporary Surrealism / Magic Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil and mixed media on canvas, employing layering, texturing, and nuanced glazing techniques
Creation Period
2001
Dimensions & Format
Large horizontal format, approximately 36 x 48 inches
Subject Description
A surreal interior scene depicting two elongated, stylized figures seated at a laden dining table. A central bowl overflows with fruit, while a strange, twisting organic branch or ribbon arches above, from which pendant fruits hang. The atmosphere is psychological and allegorical, exploring themes of temptation and desire.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The surface is stable, colors remain rich and vibrant, and the paint layer is secure with no major structural defects visible.
Estimated Market Value
3,000 to 5,000 USD
Auction Estimate
2,000 to 3,500 USD
Provenance History
Directly from the artist's studio collection, with artist signature and date inscribed in the lower right corner.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the contemporary exploration of surrealist iconography, merging classical allegorical themes with modern distorted figurative styles characteristic of Turovsky's oeuvre.
Notable Features
Distinctive elongated elongation of the human figures, intricate texturing on the tablecloth, and the artist's signature paired with the year 2001 in the lower right corner.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust accumulation and typical slight tension slack in the canvas corners, but no active flaking, tears, or previous conservation interventions detected.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight in a climate-controlled environment. Periodic dusting with a soft, dry brush is sufficient; no immediate conservation treatment required.
Collector Notes
Nathacha turovsky