Afternoon Tea (Two Women in an Interior)
Limited edition print on heavy paper or cardstock • Itzchak Tarkay (1935-2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Neo-Fauvism influenced by Post-Impressionism (specifically Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec)
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (silk screen) or high-quality lithograph with hand-embellished textures; features flat color planes and calligraphic line work
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 12 inches (image size); square format
Subject Description
The composition depicts two elegantly dressed women in a social setting, seated at a table with tea service and fruit. One woman wears a distinctive cloche-style hat, evoking early 20th-century fashion. The background features stylized foliage and geometric diamond patterns, creating a sense of shallow, decorative space typical of the artist's style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant, though there is minor surface dust and potential light scuffing on the white margins
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Hors Commerce (H.C.) edition, specifically numbered 26/45. H.C. prints were originally intended for the artist or publisher and often entered the secondary market through gallery sales or estate dispersals.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay is considered a leading figure in the modern figurative movement. His work popularized the 'Cafe Scene' genre in late 20th-century commercial art, blending the aesthetic of the Belle Époque with modern color theory. His work is widely collected globally and frequently featured in major cruise ship auctions (Park West Gallery) and commercial galleries.
Notable Features
Features a clear 'H.C.' (Hors Commerce) designation with edition number 26/45 in the lower left. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right margin. It exhibits Tarkay's signature use of heavy contour lines and vibrant, non-naturalistic color palettes.
Condition Issues
The margins show slight handling wear. The print is housed behind a black mat which may or may not be acid-free, posing a risk of 'mat burn' over long periods.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free, archival-quality materials. Use UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the bright pigments, which are susceptible to light damage.