Deux Chats (Two Cats)
Original drawing on heavy tan paper • Pavel Čapka (Czech, b. 1944)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with Illustrative/Graphic influence
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including charcoal, conté crayon, and white heightening (chalk or gouache) with subtle wash effects
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 50 x 70 cm (landscape format)
Subject Description
A horizontal composition featuring two long-haired cats. The cat on the left is rendered in warm sienna/brown tones, and the cat on the right is in cool grey/blue tones with striking light-colored eyes. The drawing uses a spotlight effect with white heightening behind the heads to create depth against the tan substrate.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight rippling of the paper consistent with medium application and deckled edges preserved.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a European gallery or direct studio sale; typical of the artist's commercial and private commissions in Central Europe.
Art Historical Significance
Pavel Čapka is a noted Czech artist known for his sensitive and technically proficient animalier works. His ability to capture feline personality and texture places him within the tradition of great cat illustrators like Steinlen or Hokusai, but with a modern, graphic sensibility.
Notable Features
Distinctive fluid signature in the lower right corner; masterful use of negative space and the paper's natural color to serve as a mid-tone.
Condition Issues
Minor paper undulation, slight acidity common in tan craft papers, and some light smudging characteristic of charcoal/carbon-based mediums.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend framing with UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting. Do not allow the paper to touch the glass to avoid transfer of the charcoal/conté medium.