Tango Dancers
Watercolor and gouache painting on paper, matted and framed • Signed J. Carraut
Style & Movement
Contemporary figurative folk art with expressive and whimsical caricatured elements
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache with ink outlining, employing vibrant flat color blocking, soft wash backgrounds, and expressive linework
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 x 16 inches (sight size), rectangular landscape format
Subject Description
A man and a woman in a dramatic tango dip pose. The woman wears a leopard-print dress and red high heels, while the man wears a dark suit, tie, and blue trousers. The figures have rounded, stylized proportions reminiscent of Botero's style, set against a rich red background with faint fleur-de-lis motifs and a black-and-white checkered floor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper appears clean, colors remain vibrant, and there is no visible foxing, tearing, or severe fading.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400
Provenance History
Acquired through the secondary art market or a local gallery setting; typical of contemporary decorative art collections
Art Historical Significance
Representative of popular contemporary decorative figurative art that combines South American dance iconography with playful, exaggerated anatomical stylization.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature in the lower right corner reading J. Carraut, playful leopard-print pattern on the woman's dress, and dramatic high-contrast checkered flooring.
Condition Issues
Minor potential light toning from age or framing materials; otherwise free of major structural or surface defects
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of watercolors. Ensure framing utilizes acid-free matting.