Itzchak Tarkay Limited Edition Print Titled Waiting

Itzchak Tarkay (1935–2012) built an international following with serene, color-saturated portrayals of elegant women in cafés and interiors. Among his most recognizable subjects are contemplative seated figures—often in moments of quiet anticipation—which appear in several compositions titled “Waiting.” For appraisers and collectors, these limited edition prints are accessible entry points to Tarkay’s market, yet they require careful authentication and condition assessment. This guide provides a structured approach to identifying, valuing, and caring for a limited edition “Waiting.”

Why Tarkay’s “Waiting” Matters to Collectors and Appraisers

• Iconic subject and style: “Waiting” exemplifies Tarkay’s hallmark traits—flattened perspective, lush, harmonized color fields, patterned textiles, and poised female figures that evoke early modernist influences. Works that encapsulate an artist’s signature look typically hold value more reliably than outliers.

• Broad edition history: Tarkay’s limited editions span traditional serigraphs (silkscreens), hand-embellished giclées, and occasional lithographs, produced over multiple years and by different publishers. “Waiting” has appeared in more than one variant. The range invites market participation at various price points but also increases the need for due diligence.

• Strong decorative appeal: Tarkay prints circulate widely through galleries and general auction platforms because they display well in domestic interiors. Liquidity is decent for recognizable titles, though prices can diverge substantially between retail and secondary-market transactions.

• Artist biography and demand: Born in Subotica (then Yugoslavia), Tarkay survived wartime internment as a child, immigrated to Israel in 1949, and later studied art, achieving fame for his refined figurative imagery. His established name recognition underpins steady collector interest.

How to Identify an Authentic Limited Edition “Waiting”

Because “Waiting” has more than one iteration and may exist in different print media, identification should proceed in steps: title confirmation, medium, edition info, and signature/marks.

1. Title verification

• The word “Waiting” may appear on an accompanying certificate, invoice, or on the print’s lower margin in pencil. Some editions carry no written title on the sheet; the title lives in publisher documentation.
• Variants may include close alternatives (e.g., “The Waiting”). Compare composition, colorway, and figure count against known images from reputable catalogs or records you already trust.

2. Medium determination

• Serigraph (silkscreen): Under magnification, color areas appear solid and flat, with crisp edges and slight ink layering you can sometimes feel. No rosette (CMYK dot) pattern should be visible.
• Giclée (inkjet): Under 10x magnification, you’ll see micro-droplet patterns. Hand-embellished giclées may show brushwork atop a printed base.
• Offset lithograph/poster: Typically shows uniform halftone dots in rosette patterns; these are usually open editions or poster reproductions and are less valuable.

3. Edition marks and inscriptions

• Numbering: Look for fractional numbering in pencil at lower left (e.g., 123/350). AP (Artist’s Proof), HC (Hors Commerce), EA (Épreuve d’Artiste), or PP (Printer’s Proof) designations may be present, typically in smaller quantities.
• Signature: An authentic limited edition generally bears a pencil signature “Tarkay” at lower right. The printed (plate) signature within the image is not a substitute for the pencil signature.
• Title: If present, it may be centered below the image in pencil.
• Publisher chops: Some editions include an embossed blindstamp or publisher chop in the margin; placement varies.

4. Paper and sheet

• Serigraphs are commonly on heavy wove or rag paper with generous margins. Giclées may be on textured archival paper or canvas; confirm what the certificate specifies.
• Beware trimmed margins that remove edition info or chops; trimming depresses value and complicates authentication.

5. Documentation and provenance

• Certificates of authenticity (COA) from the original publisher or reputable galleries are helpful, though COAs alone are not proof. Cross-check COA details (edition size, medium, image size) against the print.
• Invoices, shipping paperwork, and gallery labels on the frame’s reverse strengthen provenance.

6. Comparative review

• When in doubt, compare your print’s color fidelity, line quality, and scale against a known-accurate reference image from prior sales or a trusted catalog. Watch for unusual color shifts suggesting later reproductions or significant light fading.

Editions, Sizes, Paper, and Inscriptions

Tarkay’s limited editions were produced across different periods. Without a universal catalogue raisonné covering every edition variant, it’s prudent to discuss typical ranges rather than absolutes.

• Edition sizes

  • Numbered editions for Tarkay serigraphs are commonly in the low hundreds (e.g., 250–500). Some editions may be larger or smaller.
  • Proofs (AP/HC/EA/PP) generally compose 5–15% of the numbered run. APs often draw a modest premium.

• Dimensions

  • Image areas for “Waiting”-type serigraphs often fall roughly in the 18–26 inch (45–66 cm) height range and proportionate widths; sheet sizes can be notably larger due to margins.
  • Hand-embellished giclées might appear in comparable or slightly larger formats. Always differentiate image vs sheet vs framed dimensions.

• Paper and supports

  • Serigraphs: heavyweight archival papers; deckled edges may be present but are not guaranteed.
  • Giclées: archival paper or canvas. Canvas editions may be gallery-wrapped or mounted; canvas editions should still be signed and numbered on the face or verso.

• Inscriptions and dating

  • Pencil signature lower right; number lower left. Some works include date or title in the center. Publisher chops may appear near a lower corner. Uniform, steady graphite line quality is expected.

• Variants and colorways

  • A “Waiting” composition may exist across different publishing campaigns or print types (serigraph vs hand-embellished giclée). Treat each as a distinct market object; prices aren’t interchangeable across media.

Condition Factors and Conservation Notes

Print condition has an outsized effect on value—sometimes eclipsing small differences in edition number.

Key risk areas

• Light fading: Tarkay’s palette is sensitive to UV. Faded reds, oranges, and blues, and flattened contrast signal light exposure. Fading is irreversible and can reduce value sharply.
• Mat burn and acid damage: Brown lines along the window opening indicate acidic matboard. If caught early, a conservator can mitigate staining; severe burns permanently lower value.
• Foxing and humidity effects: Brown specks or tide lines point to moisture exposure. Paper cockling (rippling) may result from high humidity or improper framing.
• Abrasions and ink loss: Serigraph ink sits on the surface; scuffs can remove pigment. Look for raised ink ridges that are vulnerable to friction.
• Tape residue and hinges: Pressure-sensitive tapes (e.g., old masking tape) leave stains and cause tears. Proper hinges use Japanese paper and reversible adhesives.
• Trimming: Removing margins to fit a frame can excise critical inscriptions and reduces value.
• Frame materials: Non-UV glazing and acidic backings accelerate deterioration over time.

Best practices

• Keep unframed prints in archival folders or Mylar/Melinex sleeves with interleaving acid-free tissue or glassine.
• Use UV-filtering glazing, acid-free mats and backing, and conservation-grade hinges. Avoid direct sunlight and high-humidity rooms.
• For cleaning and repairs, consult a paper conservator; avoid attempting stain removal, bleaching, or flattening at home.

Market Values, Comparables, and Selling Strategy

Values vary by medium, edition size, condition, and venue. The ranges below are general observations for common, authentic examples; exceptional or rare variants may fall outside them.

Typical secondary-market ranges

• Open-edition posters/offset lithographs of “Waiting”: often 50–300 USD, sometimes more when attractively framed, but rarely appraised as limited fine art prints.
• Limited edition serigraphs on paper: frequently 600–2,000 USD depending on size, condition, and edition specifics. Well-preserved examples with strong provenance can exceed this.
• Hand-embellished giclées: often 800–2,500 USD, with embellishment quality, canvas vs paper, and frame presentation influencing price.
• Artist’s proofs (AP/EA) or Hors Commerce (HC): typical 10–25% premium over the main edition, assuming identical condition and size.

Retail vs auction

• Gallery retail/replacement values can be significantly higher than auction realizations, reflecting overhead, curation, and warranty. For insurance, appraisers often use retail replacement; for estates or fair market value appraisals, recent auction comparables are more appropriate.

How to comp effectively

• Match the medium exactly (serigraph vs giclée vs offset), align on dimensions, and confirm edition size.
• Compare condition, framing quality, and completeness of margins and inscriptions.
• Favor recent sales in comparable venues to capture current demand.

Selling options

• Auction: Transparent price discovery; best for well-documented pieces and when timing is flexible.
• Dealer/gallery: Potentially higher ask, especially for framed, ready-to-hang works; slower sell-through.
• Private sale: Control and discretion, but requires buyer network and documentation readiness.

Added value factors

• Clean provenance, original invoice and COA, intact margins, and recent conservation-grade framing all support stronger results.
• Distinctive colorways or larger-format editions are often more desirable.

Quick Appraisal Checklist

• Confirm medium under 10x magnification: serigraph (solid layers) vs giclée (micro-droplets) vs offset (rosette dots).
• Locate and read inscriptions: pencil signature lower right; edition number lower left; note any title/date and publisher chop.
• Measure image and sheet sizes; photograph margins and all inscriptions.
• Assess condition in neutral light: fading, mat burn, foxing, cockling, tears, tape, or trimming.
• Gather documents: COA, invoices, gallery labels, prior appraisals, shipping receipts.
• Identify the exact variant (serigraph vs hand-embellished giclée; paper vs canvas).
• Pull comparables that match medium, size, edition, and condition in recent sales.
• If uncertain, consult a paper conservator before removing from frame or attempting cleaning.

FAQ

Q: Is “Waiting” always a serigraph? A: No. “Waiting” appears in multiple editions. Some are traditional serigraphs on paper; others are hand-embellished giclées on paper or canvas, and there are poster reproductions. Verify the medium before valuing.

Q: Do lower edition numbers make a print more valuable? A: Not in any meaningful, consistent way. The number 5/350 is not inherently superior to 305/350. Condition, medium, and provenance outweigh the numeral’s position. Proofs (AP/HC) may carry a modest premium.

Q: How can I quickly spot fading? A: Compare color intensity in areas protected by the mat (under the window edge) to exposed areas. If the hidden strip is noticeably richer, fading has occurred. Blues and reds often show it first.

Q: Should I reframe my print? A: If it lacks UV glazing, uses acidic mats/backing, or shows signs of mat burn or cockling, reframing with conservation materials is advisable. Have a professional remove old hinges or tapes to avoid damage.

Q: What documentation matters most for appraisal? A: Clear photos of signature, numbering, and margins; accurate medium identification; measurements; condition notes; and any COA or invoices. Together, these support both authentication and pricing confidence.

By working methodically—confirming the exact “Waiting” variant, scrutinizing inscriptions and medium, documenting condition, and pulling well-matched comparables—you can develop a credible appraisal and make informed decisions whether you’re buying, selling, insuring, or simply stewarding a cherished Tarkay print.