Monumental Basquiat could fetch $40M at May auction
Posted Apr 14, 2016 09:15:25 AM.
Last Updated Apr 14, 2016 10:00:23 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – A monumental 1982 self-portrait of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat (zhahn mee-SHEHL’ BAH’-skee-aht) as a fiery demonic figure is coming to auction where it could bring $40 million.
Christie’s says “Untitled, 1982” has appeared in every major Basquiat retrospective. The work features splashes of explosive colours.
It will be offered May 10 at Christie’s post-war and contemporary art sale.
Basquiat painted it at age 22 in Modena, Italy, while at the prime of his career.
Brett Gorvy is head of post-war and contemporary art at Christie’s. He says he’s confident the work will fetch one of the highest prices for the artist at auction. The auction record for a Basquiat is $48.8 million for his “Dustheads,” achieved at Christie’s in 2013.
Basquiat died of a drug overdose in 1988 at age 27.
