Fruit Market (Le Marché aux Fruits)
Limited edition print (serigraph or lithograph) on heavy paper • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Modernism / Figurative Art; specifically 'Social Mannerism' influenced by French Post-Impressionists like Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (silk-screen printing); characterized by flat areas of vibrant color, clean lines, and stylized forms typically associated with graphic printmaking.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size), presented in a horizontal landscape format within a large decorative gold frame.
Subject Description
A vibrant market scene featuring elegantly dressed women browsing stalls of fruit. The composition uses bold, saturated colors and decorative patterns (especially on the blue and red garments) to create a sense of leisurely, bourgeois life. A bright pink awning frames the upper portion of the scene.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant and saturated, though the paper may show slight undulation under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), which were primary distributors of Tarkay's prints in the 1990s.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the modern figurative movement, known for his depictions of the 'timeless woman.' His work bridges the gap between commercial decorative art and fine art, focusing on color harmony and the female form.
Notable Features
Includes a visible pencil signature in the lower right margin and an edition number (likely an HC, AP, or numbered edition) in the lower left. The ornate gold frame and deep matting are characteristic of late 20th-century 'boutique' art presentation.
Condition Issues
Possible light fading if exposed to UV rays; minor rippling of the paper at the edges; potential acidic matting if the framing is original to the 1990s.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering glass to prevent the vibrant pigments from fading. Keep away from direct sunlight.