This lot consists of a hand painted mixed media drawing on what appears to be canvas board, done in the graffiti style of the elusive street artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat (American, 1960-1988). The iconic skull figure, full of color and uninhibited feeling. "SAMO = CROWN" along with the three-pronged crown painted across the bottom. A testament to the vibrancy and raw talent associated with Jean-Michel Basquiat. This piece is bold, strong and expressive, a highlight to any modern art collection. Overall framed piece measures 16.5" x 12.75" / Image sight measures 15.5" x 11.5".

Paper label en verso reads "GALERIE CHALETTE" along with a New York address. Label lists the artist as "JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT", title as "Samo-Crown" and the medium as "Mixed Media".

Ink stamp en verso reads "THE ESTATE OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT" and bears the signature of Basquiat.

Basquiat used social commentary in his paintings as a tool for introspection and for identifying with his experiences in the black community of his time, as well as attacks on power structures and systems of racism. Basquiat's visual poetics were acutely political and direct in their criticism of colonialism and support for class struggle. He died of a heroin overdose at his art studio at the age of 27. On May 18, 2017, at a Sotheby's auction, a 1982 painting by Basquiat depicting a black skull with red and black rivulets (Untitled) set a new record high for any American artist at auction, selling for $110.5 million. Basquiat's art has inspired many in the hip hop music community such as Jay-Z.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection

DIMENSIONS:
Overall framed piece measures 16.5" x 12.75" / Image sight measures 15.5" x 11.5".

Finger Lakes Estate and Auction Company has been commissioned to liquidate several private collections of fine art. The pieces in this auction came from established collectors both in the United States and Europe.

Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in the catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

In the style of [Artist Name]: The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Please use photos as part of the description. The absence of condition report does not guarantee excellent condition. Please contact us for an in-hand evaluation or for additional photos.

Painting is in overall very good condition. Some wrinkles are visible as well as some paint appears to be adhered to the glass on the left side. Overall image and signature remain vibrant, bold and full of color.