Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled painting created in 1982 is a visually striking and significant piece in the art world. It depicts a skull, one of his most recurring motifs, painted with Basquiat’s signature bold and expressive brushstrokes. The background features deep blue strokes on top and muted golden tones at the bottom, adding depth to the composition.
In May 2017, the painting was sold for an eye-watering $110.5 million at Sotheby’s auction house. It set a new record for the highest price ever paid at auction for artwork by an American artist in a public sale. The high price tag showcases not only Basquiat’s immense talent as an artist but also his impact on art history.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was celebrated among painters of the Neo-Expressionism movement, starting from humble beginnings as a graffiti artist in New York City to making it big in the ’80s New York art scene. His works often featured social commentary about issues like race and inequality. The serpent was also another recurring motif seen in some of his paintings such as St. Joe Louis Surrounded By Snakes and Onion Gum.
Basquait’s other notable works include Man from Naples, Cabeza, and Tuxedo which all showcase his unique blend of personal experience with contemporary culture references mixed with technically sophisticated techniques that brought him widespread critical acclaim during his short-lived career.
