Tea Time (or Ladies at Tea)
Limited edition print (Lithograph) on paper • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Art, influenced by Fauvism and Post-Impressionism (specifically Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec)
Medium & Technique
Color lithography featuring fluid pen-and-ink style outlines and soft wash-like color application
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 12 inches (image size); Square format within a rectangular frame
Subject Description
A social gathering of three women seated around a table at a cafe or parlor. The composition utilizes a circular table as a focal point, with figures rendered in a relaxed, contemplative atmosphere. The iconography emphasizes leisure, feminine companionship, and a nostalgic, European cafe-culture aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with original colors intact and no obvious signs of acid burn or moisture damage
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 218/350 in lower left pencil; indicative of commercial gallery distribution, likely through Park West Gallery or similar entities common for the artist
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a central figure in the modern figurative movement, known for his portrayal of the 'timeless woman.' His work bridges the gap between commercial decorative art and fine art, modernizing the legacies of French Modernism for a contemporary audience.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Tarkay' in the lower right; hand-numbered 218/350 in the lower left; distinctive calligraphic line work characteristic of the artist's mature style
Condition Issues
None visible from the image; potential slight mat burn if framing materials are not acid-free (common in this era of framing)
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted with acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass to prevent fading of the lithographic inks