Yaacov Agam, Attributed to, 'Progression' (Trois Mouvements), Color Screenprint

Estimated value: $400 - $600. Yaacov Agam, Attributed to, 'Progression' (Trois Mouvements), Color Screenprint (Late 20th Century (c. 1971-1982)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This vibrant screenprint is a characteristic work by Yaacov Agam, an Israeli artist celebrated as one of the founders of the kinetic and optical art movements. Active since the 1950s, Agam's art is designed to be dynamic, often changing with the viewer's position to explore concepts of time, movement, and perception. His style was deeply influenced by his spiritual background, which discouraged figurative images and led him to an abstract language of form and color. This composition, known as 'Progression', was originally commissioned for the influential Parisian art journal 'XXe Siècle' in 1971. The journal often included original prints by major contemporary artists, making fine art accessible to a wider audience. This piece, with its sequential panels showing geometric forms in various states of order and chaos, is a perfect encapsulation of Agam's lifelong artistic project. Owning it connects one to the energetic and intellectually rigorous European art scene of the post-war era.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on auction results for signed screenprints by Yaacov Agam. A near-identical work sold for approximately $330 (ZAR 6,215) in 2024, providing a floor for the estimate. Other signed, but compositionally different, screenprints by Agam have sold in a wide range from $160 to $1,200, demonstrating market variability. This estimate of $400 - $600 is a conservative appraisal for a likely authentic signed example, reflecting the uncertainty regarding the edition status and the unverified nature of the signature. Should the signature be confirmed as authentic by a specialist, the work could realize a higher value. We recommend a reserve price of $320. Please note that the final net proceeds will be subject to auction house commissions, typically 10-15% of the hammer price.

Comparable sales

Expert notes

This is a highly decorative and collectible screenprint, likely authentic to Yaacov Agam. However, its value is critically dependent on whether the signature is an original hand-signature by the artist. Before selling, we strongly recommend two actions: 1) Have the print removed from its frame to check for two faint vertical fold lines, which would confirm it as an original from the 1971 'XXe Siècle' art journal. 2) Have a print specialist examine the signature under magnification to confirm its authenticity. An unsigned print from the journal is worth $150-$300, whereas a confirmed hand-signed example can be worth significantly more.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.