Two Women Reading (likely a variation of 'The Red Hat' or 'Afternoon Reading')
Original limited edition print (Serigraph/Silkscreen) on heavy art paper • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Neo-Impressionism with influences from Fauvism (Matisse) and Art Nouveau
Medium & Technique
Serigraphy (screen printing) characterized by flat, vibrant ink layers and sharp graphic outlines. The technique allows for the saturated, matte color fields typical of the artist.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format housed in a gilded ornate frame.
Subject Description
Compositional study of two elegant women in a cafe or parlor setting. One woman wears a broad-brimmed black hat and red patterned dress, while the other wears a red cloche hat reading a book. The background is abstracted with wash-like color planes and fluid, organic line work suggesting a leisurely bourgeois environment.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors remain vibrant with no immediate signs of significant fading or acid burnt paper.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or specialized print publisher (e.g., Park West Gallery or Perry Art Group) common for Tarkay distributions in the 1990s.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a seminal figure in the modern figurative movement, often credited with reviving interest in the 'salon' style of the early 20th-century French masters. His work is globally recognized for defining a specific aesthetic of decorative, colorful, and serene femininity.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive fluid signature in the lower right and likely an edition number or artist's proof (AP) mark in the lower left, confirming its status as a high-quality graphic edition rather than a poster.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection on the glazing suggests it is not museum-grade glass. Potential minor undulating of the paper (cockling) could be present due to high ink saturation, though not clearly visible from the photo.
Conservation Recommendations
Upgrade to UV-protective glazing to prevent ink fading. Check for acid-free mounting materials to avoid future yellowing of the margins.