Basquiat’s Earliest Known ‘Head’ Drawing to Hit Sotheby’s Auction

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A significant number of Basquiats are causing a stir in the art market, with one of his paintings titled “Saturday Night” fetching an impressive $14.5 million USD during Christie’s Hong Kong auction in March. However, a much rarer and previously unauctioned drawing by Jean-Michel Basquiat is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s.

1978’s “Untitled” piece is recognized as the first instance of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s distinctive “Head” motif, which he crafted at just 18 years old. This “Head” imagery is a fundamental element in Basquiat’s artistic vocabulary, serving as a foundation for many of his celebrated works throughout his career.

Priced between $100,000 and $150,000 USD, this ballpoint pen sketch showcases a twisted, emotionally intense face with exaggerated features, bared teeth, and intricate linework. Acquired directly from Basquiat himself in the year of its creation, it has been kept within a private collection for over 45 years. This sale offers a rare chance for both new and seasoned collectors to own a Basquiat drawing at this price range.

Before Basquiat gained gallery representation or mainstream recognition, the “Untitled” piece displayed an early glimpse of the intense expressiveness and multi-layered symbolism that would later define his artistic style. The “Head,” frequently depicted as a blend of mask, skull, and x-ray, is a recurring element in many of his most renowned works, which often delved into themes of Black identity, mortality, and cultural remembrance.

Due to the scarcity of early sketches, the discovery of this 1978 artwork marks a crucial milestone in the art market for Basquiat’s pieces. This remarkable work will be auctioned off at Sotheby’s on May 16 at 2PM EDT.

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2025-05-13 19:26