Jean-Michel Basquiat
97% confidenceAmerican, 1960–1988
Paintings, Drawings
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent. Basquiat first achieved fame as part of SAMO, an informal graffiti duo who wrote enigmatic epigrams in Manhattan in the late 1970s. He later painted neo-expressionist works that dealt with dichotomies such as wealth versus poverty, integration versus segregation.
Market Cap
$4.1B
Avg Hammer
$3.2M
Record Sale
$110.5M
Total Lots
2,341
Sell-through
92%
Buy-in Rate
8%
AI Insights
Market Position
Basquiat remains one of the most sought-after post-war artists. The 92% sell-through rate is exceptional for this price tier. Museum exhibitions continue to drive collector interest.
Investment Outlook
Works featuring skulls, crowns, and text command highest premiums. The 1982-83 period represents peak output and prices. Authentication by the estate is critical for value.
Risk Factors
Market concentration at the top end - the majority of value comes from major works. Mid-tier works ($1-5M) showing strongest growth potential.
Notable Works
Untitled (Skull)
1981 • Acrylic and mixed media on canvas
Last Sale
$110.5M
Dustheads
1982 • Acrylic and oil paintstick on canvas
Last Sale
$48.8M
Warrior
1982 • Acrylic and oilstick on wood
Last Sale
$41.9M
El Gran Espectaculo
1983 • Acrylic on canvas
Last Sale
$18.7M
Upcoming Auctions
Untitled (Crown)
Christie's • Lot 12
May 14, 2024
Est. $20-30M
SAMO Tags
Sotheby's • Lot 28
May 18, 2024
Est. $5-7M
Recent Sales with Provenance
| Work | House | Reserve | Hammer | Premium | Conf. | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christie's | $35.0M | $42.4M | +21% | 99% | Feb 2024 | |
El Gran Espectaculo | Sotheby's | $15.0M | $18.7M | +25% | 98% | Jan 2024 |
Warrior | Christie's | $10.0M | $12.3M | +23% | 99% | Nov 2023 |
Untitled (Head) | Phillips | $6.0M | $8.5M | +42% | 97% | Oct 2023 |
King Pleasure | Sotheby's | $4.0M | $6.2M | +55% | 96% | Sep 2023 |
Price History by Work
Individual sale results over time
Comparable Artists
Collector+Investment Alternatives by Tier
Based on Blue-chipSame tier (Blue-chip)
Higher tier
Value plays