Seated Woman (from the 'Ladies in Red' or 'Femmes' series)
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or serigraph • Itzchak Tarkay (1935-2012)
Style & Movement
Modern figurative art influenced by Fauvism and Post-Impressionism, specifically Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/serigraphy with fine black line-work replicating pen and ink. Features gestural washes of color and expressive, sketch-like contours.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12x12 inches (image size); Square format with multi-layered decorative matting.
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of a reclining or seated woman in a Parisian café style setting. The figure is draped in colorful garments with floral and geometric patterns, characteristic of Tarkay's focus on the female form in repose.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no visible foxing, through slight undulation of the paper suggests it is not dry-mounted.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400
Provenance History
Marked 'A.P. 36/45' (Artist's Proof), indicating it was part of a limited preliminary run before the main edition. Likely originally sold through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery).
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the modern figurative movement, known for his 'café scenes'. While commercially successful, his work is valued for its continuity of the Parisian aesthetic into the late 20th century.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Tarkay' in the lower right; designated as 'A.P.' (Artist Proof) at 36 of 45, which is often more desirable to collectors than the standard numbered edition.
Condition Issues
Minor glare from glass suggests standard rather than museum-quality glazing; possible light acid transfer from non-archival matting over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free matting to prevent fading of the vibrant pigments and yellowing of the paper.