Jean-Michel Basquiat American Acrylic on Canvas

Updated September 8, 2026

Title: Untitled (SAMO, Crowns, and Figures) Technique: Mixed media on canvas Measures: 35 x 35 inches (88.9 x 88.9 cm) Year: 1982, according to an inscription on the front Condition: Good overall condition. The painted surface presents layered applications of pigment, drips, handwritten text, and energetic linear passages throughout. Scattered abrasions, paint losses, edge wear, and handling marks are visible, particularly around the projecting wooden elements. The work appears structurally stable and display-ready. Please review all photographs as part of the condition report. Provenance: From a private family collection in the United States. According to verbal family history, the work was purchased from a street vendor in New York in 1989 and has remained within the same family since that time. No receipt or supporting documentation from the reported purchase accompanied the work upon consignment. This provenance reflects the history supplied when the artwork was received for cataloging. Visual Description: This densely worked composition combines two mask-like figures with crowns, handwritten words, Roman numerals, repeated symbols, and partially crossed-out phrases. A column of multicolored crowns and repeated “SAMO” inscriptions appears along the left, while a large red crown dominates the upper right. Blocks of blue, pink, green, red, white, and black organize the surface into loosely defined sections. Repeated words, fragmented statements, numbers, grids, ladders, and copyright or trademark symbols create the appearance of an urban wall covered with layered messages. The raw mark-making, anatomical heads, crown imagery, and graffiti-derived text recall the Neo-Expressionist vocabulary associated with Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additional Information: The front bears numerous inscriptions and markings, including “SAMO,” “Jean-Michel Basquiat 1982,” “Basquiat,” “AGE 2000,” Roman numerals, repeated crown motifs, and copyright or trademark symbols. These inscriptions, dates, reported provenance, and stylistic associations are presented solely for cataloging purposes and do not independently establish authenticity, authorship by Jean-Michel Basquiat, provenance, or exhibition history. This composition reflects stylistic elements commonly associated with major figures in modern and contemporary art. For additional information regarding certification, provenance, or any inquiries about this piece or other items, please don't hesitate to contact us through the HiBid platform. A secondary market exists for uncatalogued artworks like this one, which often results in lower estimated and sale prices compared to catalogued artist works. If you have any specific questions or require further assistance in understanding the value, context, or details of this artwork, we are here to help and provide any additional information you may need.

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