The artwork titled “Maid from Olympia” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, created in 1982, is a piece rendered in acrylic, crayon, canvas, and paper. It falls within the Neo-Expressionism and Street Art movements and is a figurative genre piece. The dimensions of the artwork are 122.5 x 76 cm, and it is currently held in a private collection.
This visceral work exemplifies Basquiat’s distinctive style, melding raw and primitive elements with sophisticated artistry. The composition features a scattered arrangement of figures and text, characterized by bold and energetic lines, a hallmark of Basquiat’s street art influence. The central figure, depicted with an almost skeletal visage, is surrounded by abstract shapes and symbols, contributing to the chaotic yet intentional nature of the piece. The use of vibrant colors juxtaposed with darker, more subdued tones breaks traditional artistic conventions, adding depth and complexity to the viewing experience. The inscribed words in the artwork, including “detail of maid from ‘Olympia’” and “FEET”, provide an enigmatic narrative, compelling the viewer to delve into the layered meanings and cultural references embedded within Basquiat’s work.
