Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935-2012) Reverie, 1994

Updated September 18, 2026

This auction ended on October 4, 2026. See upcoming auctions from Oakwood Auctions.

Lot number	439
Estimate	100.00 - 150.00 USD
Auction	October Art & Collectibles- 2-DAY Auction
Date	October 4, 2026 at 11:00 PM EDT
Auction house	Oakwood Auctions
Location	Stouffville

Itzchak Tarkay (Israeli, 1935-2012), Reverie, 1994. Monumental limited-edition color serigraph on paper, hand-signed "Tarkay" in pencil at lower right and individually numbered 54/350 at lower left, with an embossed blindstamp visible in the lower margin. An unusually imposing large-format example of Tarkay's celebrated figurative graphic work, measuring 57 x 41 3/4 inches. Reverie embodies the sophisticated visual language for which Tarkay achieved international recognition: an elegant female figure reclines in an richly patterned interior, her dark coiffure, brilliant red lips, elongated silhouette and intricately rendered clothing set against an expansive, luminous white ground. The saturated crimson, cobalt blue, ochre and charcoal passages of the upholstered chair provide a dramatic chromatic counterpoint to Tarkay's fluid, economical line, while the delicately articulated floral still life at upper right introduces an almost weightless lyrical element. The resulting composition balances decorative abundance with deliberate spatial restraint, giving the work both intimacy and commanding wall presence. Tarkay's distinctive depictions of stylish, contemplative women are among the most recognizable images associated with late 20th-century Israeli figurative art. His work draws upon the elegance, color and café-interior tradition of European modernism while remaining immediately identifiable through his characteristic combination of expressive contour, patterned surfaces and psychologically self-contained female subjects. Born in Subotica in 1935, Tarkay survived the Holocaust as a child and later immigrated to Israel, ultimately developing an international following for his paintings, watercolors and editioned graphic works. The exceptional 57-inch scale materially distinguishes this impression from the smaller Tarkay prints frequently encountered on the secondary market. At this size, the composition assumes the presence of a major decorative work rather than a conventional editioned print, allowing Tarkay's sophisticated handling of pattern, color and negative space to be appreciated with particular impact. The desirable combination of monumental scale, hand signature, limited edition of only 350 impressions, relatively low individual number 54/350, recognizable female subject matter and strong decorative character makes this an especially appealing example for collectors of Itzchak Tarkay, Israeli modern art, contemporary figurative art, signed limited-edition prints and large-scale modernist interiors. The image is strong, vibrant coloration and an attractive overall presentation, with no major tears, substantial losses or conspicuous staining evident. A visually commanding and highly characteristic large-format work by one of Israel's most internationally collected modern figurative artists, Reverie presents Tarkay's signature combination of feminine elegance, sophisticated color, decorative richness and

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