Abstract
- The earliest identified instance of Basquiat’s iconic “Head” motif
- Provided on Sotheby’s with an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000 USD
- Acquired instantly from Basquiat and remained in similar non-public assortment
There’s no scarcity of Basquiats making an enormous market splash with one of many late artist’s work, “Saturday Night time,” having nabbed a mighty wholesome $14.5 million USD throughout Christie’s Hong Kong public sale in March. However now, a way more uncommon and never-before-auctioned drawing by Jean-Michel Basquiat will quickly be up for public sale at Sotheby’s.
Titled “Untitled (1978),” the work is described to be the earliest identified instance of Basquiat’s iconic “Head” motif which he created at 18 years outdated. Basquiat’s “Head” figuration is taken into account to be a cornerstone of his visible language that might later spur creations of some his most celebrated works of his profession.
Provided with an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000 USD, the ballpoint pen drawing captures a distorted, psychologically charged face composed of bulging options, uncovered tooth and sharp linework. The piece was acquired instantly from Basquiat the identical yr it was created and has remained in the identical non-public assortment for over 45 years. The sale is an opportune second for any sort of collector, younger or outdated, to seize a Basquiat drawing at this degree and particularly at this worth level.
Executed earlier than Basquiat had gallery illustration or mainstream recognition, the “Untitled” work foreshadows the expressive energy and layered symbolism that might later turn out to be signature visuals of his follow. The “Head,” which is usually illustrated as half masks, half cranium, half x-ray, would stay throughout his most iconic work that usually explored themes of Black id, mortality and cultural reminiscence.
With so few early drawings in circulation, the emergence of this 1978 piece represents a big second out there for Basquiat’s work. The work is ready to go underneath the hammer at Sotheby’s on Could 16 at 2PM EDT.
