On A Clear Day 18 © Agnes Martin 1973
Agnes Martin
32 works
Key Takeaways
Agnes Martin's print market demonstrates consistency of value, with individual prints from her coveted On A Clear Day (1973) series fetching £5,000 to £20,000, while complete sets have achieved over £150,000 at auction. Authentication demands rigorous examination of paper quality, printing technique, and provenance, with the ongoing digital catalogue raisonné by Artifex Press serving as a vital reference. Martin's precise editioning practices are crucial for verification. Given the delicate nature of her work, condition is paramount, with pristine examples commanding premium prices. Strategic timing, such as selling during major retrospectives, can optimise returns. Sellers should carefully consider options between auction houses, private brokers, and specialised platforms, weighing factors like privacy, speed, and competitive bidding potential.
Agnes Martin infused her work with a meditative quality, positioning her as a unique voice bridging Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Martin was born in Canada in 1912 but spent most of her career in the United States, where she became a pivotal figure in 20th century abstract art. Her works have a profound simplicity and emotional depth that embody a quest for perfection and transcendence, offering her audience a chance to contemplate and reflect. This guide aims to assist those looking to navigate the competitive market for Martin’s prints, providing insights into valuation, authentication, and optimal selling strategies.
Martin's focus on capturing spiritual serenity through visual simplicity was influenced by ideals and locations from around the globe, including Zen Buddhism and the vast landscapes of her adopted home in New Mexico - which informed her use of horizontal bands and subtle colour variations. Martin also drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Chinese philosophy, as well as the writings of transcendentalist thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson. Notable collectors of Martin's work include philanthropist Eli Broad; her work has also inspired fashion designers such as Miuccia Prada and Maria McManus. Her pieces are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
How Much Do Agnes Martin Prints Sell For?
The market for Agnes Martin's prints reflects the high esteem in which her work is held. Prices can vary significantly based on factors such as rarity, condition, and the specific series to which a print belongs. Martin's most sought-after print series, On a Clear Day (1973), consisting of 30 screen prints, can command substantial sums. Individual prints from this series typically fetch between £5,000 and £20,000, while complete sets have sold for over £150,000 at major auctions as recently as 2023 - the record being £168,982 in April. Incomplete portfolios can still achieve upwards of £20,000.
Later prints, such as those from the 1990s, generally range from £3,000 to £15,000, depending on size and edition. Sets of four lithographs from an Untitled series (1998) regularly sell for upwards of £25,000. Rare early works or those with significant provenance have the potential to exceed these figures.
It's worth noting that Martin's market has shown steady growth over the past decade, with particular spikes following major retrospectives or significant rediscoveries of her work. For example, two record sales of complete On A Clear Day (1973) portfolios in 2023 occurred following an exhibition of Martin’s work at the historic Marlborough Gallery in New York.
How Do You Authenticate an Agnes Martin Print?
Authenticating an Agnes Martin print requires a meticulous approach, given the subtlety of her work and the potential for misattribution. The process typically involves a combination of provenance research, technical analysis, and expert evaluation. Key factors include paper and ink analysis, as Martin used specific types which can be scientifically verified - for example, Japanese rag paper was a favourite. Understanding the nuances of her printing methods is crucial for authentication. A documented history of ownership can significantly bolster authenticity claims.
Experts often use advanced imaging techniques, such as infrared reflectography, to examine the work's underlying structure. Given the complexity of authentication, it's advisable to consult with recognised Martin scholars or reputable auction houses specialising in her work.
Catalogue Rainsonné
The definitive catalogue raisonné for Agnes Martin is an ongoing project, currently being compiled by Artifex Press in collaboration with the Agnes Martin Catalogue Raisonné (AMCR). This comprehensive digital catalogue aims to document all of Martin's known works, including her prints. Until its completion, collectors and researchers rely on several key resources. Agnes Martin: Paintings, Writings, Remembrances by Arne Glimcher, while not a full catalogue raisonné, provides extensive documentation of Martin's work. Exhibition catalogues from major retrospectives, such as the 2015-2016 show at Tate Modern, offer valuable insights and documentation.
Historically, there has been some dispute over the contents of the catalogue raisonné. In 2016, UK-based Mayor Gallery filed a lawsuit against the AMCR over 13 pieces of work that had not been included in the catalogue but that the gallery believed should have. The case was dismissed; however, the event serves to exemplify the tenuous but valuable nature of authentication.
For the most up-to-date information on Martin's prints, it's advisable to consult with specialists at major galleries that have represented her work, such as Pace Gallery, or with brokers who regularly handle her pieces.
Edition and Signature
Agnes Martin's approach to editioning and signing her prints was as precise and considered as her artistic practice. Typically, her signature appears in pencil on the lower right of the print, characterised by its neat, measured appearance. Edition numbers are usually found on the lower left, though this can vary. Martin's print editions were often small, ranging from 10 to 50, with some series, like On A Clear Day, produced in larger numbers. Artist's proofs, usually marked "A.P.", are highly prized by collectors. In the case of some prints, such as Praise (1976), her signature is accompanied by the artwork title.
Martin's printing process evolved over time, and she worked with various print studios throughout her career, each of which will have had a stamp or watermark that can be used to trace provenance. Understanding the characteristics of prints from different periods and collaborations can be crucial in the authentication and valuation process.
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Has Your Agnes Martin Print Been Kept in Good Condition?
The condition of an Agnes Martin print is crucial to its value and desirability. Given the delicate nature of her work, with its subtle lines and pale colours, even minor damage can significantly impact the overall effect and worth. When assessing a Martin print, consider the paper quality, looking for any discolouration, foxing, or acid burn. Martin's precise lines should remain crisp and unbroken, and any fading or uneven colouration can detract from the print's value. Check for surface imperfections such as creases, scratches, or indentations. Untrimmed margins often indicate a well-preserved print and can enhance value.
Proper storage and display are essential for maintaining a Martin print's condition. Ideally, prints should be kept in acid-free environments, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. If framed, UV-protective glass and acid-free matting are recommended. An incident involving an Agnes Martin painting in 2000, wherein the Tate Modern struggled to restore Martin’s painting Morning (1965) due to the uniqueness of her painting surface, demonstrates the importance of preserving your artwork from the outset.
For a thorough assessment, consider consulting a paper conservator specialising in contemporary prints. They can provide a detailed condition report and advise on any necessary conservation measures. For advice on how to get started, contact MyArtBroker.
When is the Best Time to Sell My Agnes Martin Print?
Timing the sale of an Agnes Martin print requires careful consideration of market trends and external factors. The contemporary art market can be cyclical, with periods of heightened interest in minimalist and abstract works. Retrospectives and major exhibitions often spark renewed interest in an artist's work, potentially driving up prices. Major contemporary art sales at leading auction houses can create a favourable environment for selling. Broader economic factors can influence art market liquidity and buyer confidence.
Recent years have seen a steady appreciation in Martin's market, particularly following the retrospective at Tate Modern in 2015, with a sharp peak at the end of 2021. Keep an eye on upcoming exhibitions or publications that might influence the market. Monitoring sales results and value trajectory reports for similar Martin prints at auction houses and galleries can provide insights into current market trends and help you set realistic expectations for your sale. Ultimately, the best time to sell often aligns with personal circumstances and market readiness. Consulting with a specialist art advisor or broker can provide tailored guidance based on your specific print and market conditions.
MyArtBroker offers advanced art tech tools to help you determine the optimal time to sell. Our MyPortfolio service features an AI-powered value indicator that provides real-time valuations of individual prints based on both public and private sales data. Combined with our complimentary valuations, we can help ensure your print achieves maximum value by selling at the perfect moment.
Where Can I Sell My Agnes Martin Print?
Selling an Agnes Martin Via a Broker
Art brokers specialising in post-war and contemporary prints can offer a more personalised approach to selling an Agnes Martin print. They typically have established networks of collectors and can facilitate private sales. Brokers offer personalised service and expert guidance, with the potential for quicker sales than through auction houses. They also provide the ability to maintain discretion and privacy in the sale. However, broker fees can be substantial, often ranging from 10% to 20%. There's also limited exposure compared to public auctions, and you're reliant on the broker's network and expertise. When choosing a broker, look for those with a proven track record in handling Martin's work and a deep understanding of the market for minimalist and abstract prints.
Selling an Agnes Martin Via Auction House
Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips regularly feature Agnes Martin's work in their contemporary art sales. These venues offer the advantage of a global reach and potential for competitive bidding. They provide access to a wide pool of qualified buyers and the potential for achieving high prices in a competitive environment. There's also prestige associated with major auction houses. However, consider that auction houses charge high seller's fees, typically around 25% of the hammer price. There's also the risk of the work not meeting its reserve price, and you have less control over the timing and presentation of the sale. For high-value Martin prints, particularly rare or early works, auction houses can be an effective route. However, ensure you understand the terms of consignment and any associated costs before proceeding.
To learn more, read our guide to Auction v Private Sale in the Art Market.
Selling an Agnes Martin Via Online Marketplace
Online art marketplaces have grown in popularity, offering a platform for sellers to reach a global audience. These platforms offer the potential for quick sales and lower fees compared to traditional channels. They provide access to a broad audience of collectors and enthusiasts, and the ability to control the listing and pricing. However, for high-value works like Agnes Martin prints, these platforms come with significant considerations. There's a risk of undervaluing the work due to platform limitations, a lack of expert curation and buyer vetting, and potential security and authenticity concerns. For Martin prints, especially those of significant value, online marketplaces should be approached with caution. If considering this route, opt for specialised platforms that focus on fine art and have robust authentication processes in place.
Why Sell Your Agnes Martin with MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Broker
MyArtBroker offers a distinctive service connecting clients with their dedicated personal broker, ensuring a secure transaction through our online digital platform. Our specialists excel at sourcing direct buyers for consigned prints via our live trading floor, where users within our extensive network can express interest in specific prints and multiples by particular artists, whether they intend to sell, buy, or simply enquire about a specific print. Our team is approachable, passionate, and consistently provides updates on the art market and artists. We guide sellers through a seamless transaction process, establishing a fair market valuation based on realistic sale prices and offering free advice on the optimal timing for selling, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the art market.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise transparency and security in every art sale. Our stringent due diligence process ensures the authentication and verification of artwork provenance, drawing upon our in-house expertise and collaborating with professional external contacts when needed. This approach effectively mitigates the risk of trading counterfeit or stolen art pieces. Additionally, we minimise the risks associated with public sales. While public auctions may seem appealing, unsold prints can harm an artist's market. Private sales eliminate this risk and enable quicker liquidity release for your artwork compared to adhering to strict auction schedules dictating when your work can be offered for sale.
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Our team of specialists offers tailored services to procure rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the market. As part of our standard practice, we provide complimentary valuations and charge zero seller's fees, setting us apart from other private brokers and traditional auction houses. By minimising overhead costs, we allocate resources towards digital innovation and targeted marketing strategies within our network and house magazine.
When it comes to selling artwork, achieving the best price hinges on accessing a niche market with an established collector community. If you're looking to sell a print, turning to a specialist in the print market, like MyArtBroker, yields superior results compared to approaching an auction house, which caters to broader categories of artwork.
Our Network
Through our live trading floor we empower our network of collectors, fundamentally reshaping the art investment and trading landscape in the digital era. Offering real time market data and insights gleaned from worldwide collectors, we establish value based on convenience, accessibility, and the exceptional level of transparency and security provided to over tens of thousands of users.
Read our cohesive report to navigate the art market as a seller: A Guide to Selling Prints in the Current Market.
Agnes Martin Collection Management with MyPortfolio
In addition to our live trading floor, MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio serves as a collection management system, empowering collectors to curate and oversee their prints and editions collection. This feature grants users access to our print market database, uniquely tied to our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This algorithm scans and analyses both public auction and private sales data to determine real time valuations of individual print works, factoring in various aspects such as condition, colour, and other factors affecting value.
Read What Powers MyArtBroker's Technology? In Conversation With Stuart Jamieson, Financial Quant to learn more about our algorithm.
Emerging art tech tools are vital in navigating the current, and evolving, digital art market landscape. For instance, by adding Agnes Martin prints from our website to the MyPortfolio dashboard, users gain insight into unique sale opportunities and observe market performance and fluctuations as they happen, streamlining the sales process effortlessly. Our pioneering technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, making it more accessible and equipping users with data-driven insights for informed decisions. MyArtBroker harnesses cutting-edge technology driven by data, coupled with a team of industry experts, to deliver an exceptional experience. Our professionals work closely with clients, utilising the MyPortfolio dashboard, to provide personalised guidance for creating a profitable art collection. By merging technology and expertise, we are committed to offering unparalleled curation and customer service.
Agnes Martin
32 works
