Seated Women with Tea and Flowers
Original drawing/watercolor on paper • In the manner of Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Neo-Impressionism with Art Nouveau and Fauvist influences
Medium & Technique
Watercolor, ink, and gouache on heavy paper; features pen-and-ink linework with soft watercolor washes and color-blocking
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 16 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
Two elegantly dressed women in a domestic or cafe setting, seated at a table. The composition includes floral arrangements, decorative furniture, and a 'painting within a painting' in the background. The narrative suggests social leisure and femininity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible paper curvature suggests a lack of mounting, but pigmentation remains vibrant
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $1,200 (depending on authentication and medium specifics)
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Auction lot (Lot 111) as indicated by the image overlay; likely from a private collection or commercial gallery distribution
Art Historical Significance
Represents the highly popular commercial 'Tel Aviv School' style characterized by decorative domesticity and soft expressionism intended for mid-market gallery sales.
Notable Features
Stylized elongated limbs, high-key primary colors, and a whimsical approach to interior space characteristic of the late 20th-century decorative art market.
Condition Issues
Minor paper curling at the top edge; slight unevenness in the paper surface likely due to watercolor saturation without tensioning.
Conservation Recommendations
Framing with acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent fading of watercolors; ensure it is kept in a climate-controlled environment.