Two Women at a Café (or similar title from the 'Elegant Women' series)
Original painting or high-quality limited edition print (serigraph) on paper or panel, framed under glass. • Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935–2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Post-Impressionism / School of Paris influence
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic with mixed media elements; likely employing flat color fields, graphic line work, and stylized figurative forms characteristic of the artist's technique.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1980-2005)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches inside the frame; vertical (portrait) format.
Subject Description
Two elegantly dressed women in a social setting, seated at a round table with a floral vase. The composition features the bold colors and relaxed, contemplative mood typical of Tarkay's work, focusing on female leisure and fashion with little facial detail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The image appears vibrant; however, there are significant reflections on the glass and possible minor undulation of the paper support.
Estimated Market Value
$1,000 - $3,500 (dependent on whether it is an original oil on canvas or a serigraph)
Auction Estimate
$800 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), where Tarkay's work was widely distributed.
Art Historical Significance
Tarkay was a leading figure in the modern figurative movement, known for blending the influences of Matisse and Toulouse-Lautrec. His work is globally recognized for its decorative appeal and depiction of an idyllic, serene social world.
Notable Features
Signature 'Tarkay' visible in the lower right corner. The piece exhibits his signature style of merging expressive outlines with soft, watercolor-like washes of color.
Condition Issues
Notable glare from protective glass; potential light fading if not kept behind UV-protective glazing; minor frame abrasions could be present.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free matting and UV-filtering museum glass to prevent color fading from light exposure. Maintain a stable humidity environment.