L'Heure du Thé (The Tea Hour)
Limited edition print (serigraph/lithograph) on heavy paper, matted and framed • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Art with influences from Fauvism (Matisse) and Post-Impressionism (Toulouse-Lautrec); often associated with the 'Social Realism' of cafe society
Medium & Technique
Serigraph or Color Lithograph featuring a flat, graphic application of vibrant colors, calligraphic line work, and textured patterns mimicking pastel or crayon strokes
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size), presented in a square format with extensive matting and a gilded frame
Subject Description
The composition depicts two stylishly dressed women in a social setting, likely a cafe or private lounge. The primary figure wears a signature oversized red hat and a dark blue dress, lounging near a table with a decorative vase and patterned cloth. The second figure is shown in profile. The work utilizes bold primary colors, flat perspective, and a sense of relaxed, bourgeois leisure typical of Tarkay's 'Ladies' series.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no visible fading, though there is a noticeable reflection on the glazing which suggests standard glass rather than museum-grade UV protection
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800
Provenance History
Numbered '265/350' in the lower left corner and hand-signed in the lower right. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery (such as Park West Gallery) or at an art auction on a cruise ship, where Tarkay's work was heavily distributed.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the modern figurative movement. While commercially driven, his work is significant for re-popularizing the Parisian cafe aesthetic and blending classical French Modernist influences with late 20th-century decorative appeal.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive fluid horizontal signature; bears a limited edition number (265/350) and a blind stamp/embossing in the lower left margin, indicating its authenticity as a sanctioned edition.
Condition Issues
Potential minor acid burn from the matting over time if not archival; slight rippling of paper is possible under the frame; no significant physical damage visible.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current glass with UV-protective acrylic or museum glass to prevent color fading; ensure all mounting materials are acid-free to prevent yellowing of the paper edges.