Seated Lady with Blue Hat and Lilies (Alternative: L'Elegante)
Limited edition print (serigraph/lithograph) on heavy paper • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Art with strong influences from Fauvism (Matisse) and Post-Impressionism.
Medium & Technique
Color serigraphy or lithography utilizing flat local colors, saturated blues, and hard-edge graphic techniques typical of late 20th-century commercial fine art printing.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A stylized, pensive woman wearing a wide-brimmed blue hat and jewelry sits in a domestic interior. The composition is flanked by a geometric patterned wall and a floral arrangement in a blue vase. The work emphasizes line and color over depth, typical of Tarkay's romanticized depictions of social leisure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible glare from glass suggests it is framed, which has likely protected the paper surface. No immediate signs of foxing or warping.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD (dependent on documentation and frame quality)
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), common venues for this artist's work. Marked 'E.A.' (Épreuve d'Artiste/Artist Proof) and numbered 14/40.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a seminal figure in the commercial modern figurative movement. His work popularized a Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic and is globally recognized for its accessibility and decorative appeal, bridging the gap between high art and interior design.
Notable Features
Features a clear 'EA' (Artist's Proof) designation which represents a smaller, more exclusive subset of the general edition. Hand-signed by Tarkay in the lower right margin.
Condition Issues
Possible light-induced fading of the fugitive blue and purple pigments if displayed in direct sunlight; minor edge wear obscured by the matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent 'mat burn.' Keep away from high-humidity areas and direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant ink saturation.