Lot 29
  • 29

The Agam Megillah (Scroll of Esther), Israel: ca. 1980

Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 USD
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Description

  • ink, paper
Serigraph and manuscript on parchment, signed and numbered 15 of 180. Height: 19 5/8  in. Hebrew text written in square Ashkenazic script arranged in 11 columns on 8 membranes. 

Condition

Serigraph and manuscript on parchment, signed and numbered 15 of 180. Height: 19 5/8 in. Hebrew text written in square Ashkenazic script arranged in 11 columns on 8 parchment membranes. Membrane 3 has a small abrasion of pigment at the joint with membrane 2; Membrane 5 has a single minor scratch to pigment; Membrane 6 has a small inkstain at the head of the second text column; Membrane 7 has several minor scratches to pigment.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A modern decorated megillah by noted Israeli artist Ya'akov Agam. Produced on parchment, this limited edition includes a silk-screened border by the artist, with the text handwritten by a scribe. In this Scroll of Esther, the traditional text is adorned with distinctly modern and brilliantly colored artwork. Agam has also embellished the scroll with abstracted imagery from the Esther story including a scene of Haman leading Mordechai on horseback and a pair of dice, a reference to both the lots that Haman drew to determine the exact date on which to annihilate the Jewish people as well as to the element of chance which is present in the Purim story.