Two Women at a Café
Work on paper, likely a mixed media drawing or a watercolor print • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Modernism, Figurative, with New School of Paris influences
Medium & Technique
Watercolor, ink, and gouache on paper; utilizes fluid linework and transparent washes typical of post-war figurative illustration
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
Two stylishly dressed women seated in what appears to be a cafe or garden setting. The composition features Tarkay's signature elongated forms and serene, contemplative expressions. A landscape view is visible in the background through a window, and a small rug at the bottom contains decorative faces, a hallmark of Tarkay's whimsical decorative style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage, though light-induced fading is a risk for this medium
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 (depending on if it is an original watercolor or a hand-embellished serigraph)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), where the artist's work was widely distributed in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is a key figure in the modern figurative movement, known for his ability to blend Impressionist and Fauvist color palettes with a modern graphic sensibility focused on the female form and social settings.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'T' signature in the lower-left corner; intricate line work Defining the cafe table and chairs; use of primary colors (yellow, orange, blue) to create visual balance.
Condition Issues
Possible minor acidity from original matting; no visible tears or creases through the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the piece is housed behind UV-protective glass and use acid-free archival matting to prevent mat burn and yellowing.