Afternoon Tea (likely a variation of 'The Blue Shawl' or 'Enchantment')
Print, specifically a Limited Edition Lithograph or Serigraph on paper • Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Fauvism-influenced. Style is characterized by 'Art Deco' revivalist aesthetics and the 'School of Paris' influence.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or Serigraphy with hand-embellished textural elements. The technique involves layered color printing and distinct ink application to mimic brushstrokes.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12x12 inches (image) within a larger frame; Square format.
Subject Description
Two elegant women seated at a cafe or garden table in a social setting. One wears a prominent blue shawl and red cloche hat (typical of 1920s fashion), while the other is in orange. The composition features vibrant colors, patterned textiles, and a background with stylized foliage/latticework.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears vibrant, though there is some minor debris visible on the inner matting and slight ripples in paper tension.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'H.C. 26/45' (Hors de Commerce). These are proofs traditionally intended for the artist or publisher. Likely sold through a commercial gallery or cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), a common venue for Tarkay's work.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a pioneer of the neo-figurative style, drawing heavily from Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec. His work is significant for its role in the commercial art boom of the late 20th century, representing idealized feminine grace and leisure.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'H.C.' (Hors de Commerce) numbering in pencil, which usually denotes a smaller, more exclusive run than the standard numbered edition. Features Tarkay's characteristic fluid, minimalist signature in the lower right margin.
Condition Issues
Potential light fading if exposed to UV; minor undulation of the paper; dust accumulation inside the frame assembly near the lower margin.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free archival materials; use UV-protective glass to prevent pigment fading; ensure the environment is humidity-controlled to prevent paper warping.