Lot # : 81 - Attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat Superman

Medium: Acrylic on canvas. Edition: Unique, Original work of art. Condition: Very good. Signature: on recto and verso. Size: 18 x 24 in. New frame: 22 x 26 in. This is an original acrylic on canvas painting in the manner of and attributed to the world-renowned contemporary artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. The artwork is exemplary of his unique style. The art is signed on the front and also identifiable on the verso (back of the canvas). Basquiat signed his art in different ways and sometimes multiple times on the same artwork. His three-point crown is a recognized symbol of his signature and his earlier artwork is also identified by the word SAMO. He often used only his initials as his signature and sometimes used his full name on the front of his art and his initials on the verso. The crown is typically seen on many pieces of his artwork, front and/or verso of the art. The verso of Basquiat's artwork is very important in the authentication process of his art. He was one of very few famous artists who painted on the verso and considered the entire canvas a flowing stream of his expression of the artwork. He loved professional boxing, Superman and other superheroes were favorite themes he used in many of his earlier paintings. As noted by the consignor, “Whenever you have the opportunity to purchase a Basquiat, having the Batman, Superman or Thor theme on front or verso, grab it!” His career started in his late teens and by the time he was in his early twenties, his art was already featured in art shows in Italy. However, it was in 1981 that Basquiat was featured at the Annina Hosei Gallery in New York City. He had many shows at the Hosei Gallery from the early 80s to the mid 80s, some with other artists such as Keith Haring. Jean-Michel’s early works in particular, depicted his amazing intelligence displaying what he called the dichotomies of life. Basquiat was largely responsible for elevating graffiti into the realm of the New York art world. Tangled patches of color, symbolic images and scribbled words, referenced everything from his heritage, to political issues, pop-culture icons, and even Biblical verse. All of the canvas artwork was professionally framed in beautiful simple floating frames to direct focus to the art itself. All of the pieces were closely inspected (including long-wave UV light used in the process). There was no fluorescent indication of repairs, floating signature, over-painting or over-cleaning. Provenance: Private Estate. The owner stated that, “Although some of my collection is without accompanying documentation such as certificates, I never wasted time or money on art that was likely to be fake or not original as claimed. Over the years of collecting fine art, notable expense went into appraising and re-framing with acid-free matting to maintain the correct preservation of the artwork.” The artwork, such as this original Basquiat, is accurately valued as indicated by the noted estimate (Est.). The two pieces of Basquiat artwork in this auction are in excellent condition and were professionally displayed in a smoke-free environment. Bid with confidence on this extraordinary, highly collectible and wonderful example of Basquiat's neo-expressionism, which catapulted him to worldwide fame and profound status as a contemporary artist. Similar original fine art attributed to Basquiat, of similar size and medium, has typically sold privately and in auctions for over $25,000 and considerably more. The art is again, in excellent condition. This is a superb piece to add to any serious fine art collection. Congratulations to the winning bidder!