Woman in Red Beret (and Two Figures)
Print on heavy paper, likely an artist's proof (AP) • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Fauvism influence / Modern Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (silk screen) or lithograph with hand-embellished texture; flat color planes with fine line work and stencil effects
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 30 x 22 inches (image), 38 x 28 inches (framed); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The artwork depicts three women in a social interior setting, likely a cafe or parlor. The central figure wears a striking red beret, a yellow patterned blouse, and a vibrant red floor-length skirt with floral outlines. Two other women are seen in the background. The composition is characterized by bold, saturated colors and a leisurely, melancholic mood typical of Tarkay's depictions of the female form.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant, though framing and lighting reflections suggest it is behind glass or acrylic.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'A.P.' (Artist's Proof) in the lower left corner. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (such as Park West Gallery), where the artist had significant distribution.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the modern figurative movement, heavily influenced by French Post-Impressionists like Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec. His work is globally recognized for its commercial success and its ability to blend domestic tranquility with vibrant Fauvist color palettes.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive signature in the lower right and the 'AP' designation, indicating it was part of a limited run outside the standard numbered edition.
Condition Issues
Possible minor undulation of the paper under the matting; potential light fading depending on UV exposure history.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and protected by UV-filtering museum glass to prevent color degradation of the bright pigments.