Jean-Michel Basquiat

Yoshi Mitsu Hijikata Gallery, Nagoya
Tsurukame Corporation, Nagoya
Akira Ikeda Gallery, Tokyo
Vente: Sothebys, New York, 17 février 1999, lot 274
Acquis lors de cette vente par le propriétaire actuel

Milan, Fondazione La Triennale di Milano, The Jean-Michel Basquiat Show, 2006-2007, p. 174, no. 55, illustré en couleurs
Le Mans, Centre Culturel l'Espal, Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1999, p.53, illustré en couleurs

This work is in excellent condition. Executed on a white wove paper, glued to the mount. Each of the 4 edges is visible under glass. Colours: the catalogue illustration is fairly accurate but the paper is not as white in the original. The illustration does not convey the artist work around the collage.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

signed and dated on the back ; graphite, color pencil, ink and collage on paper. Executed in 1986.

" Dans de nombreuses toiles, et tout autant dans les dessins, le corps est dépecé et grimaçant : une leçon d'anatomie, un véritable dictionnaire médical dont on sait qu'au demeurant Basquiat ne se séparait jamais. Bribes de sens, de mots, mandibules et os : tout y passe et trépasse. Masques et visages jouent une danse macabre. La mort déguisée, extatique ... ."
(Bernard Blistène, La Couronne, le sceau et le copyright. Note sur une Black Face Soap, in Jean-Michel Basquiat, Oeuvres sur papier, Galerie Enrico Navarra, 1999, p.23)

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mr. Greedy, 1986 (acrylique et pastel gras sur papier), collection particulière. © ADAGP, Paris 2009