Jean-Michel Basquiat Print Market Investments © MyArtBroker 2024
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Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Jean-Michel Basquiat
56 works
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s influence transcends art, shaping mainstream culture with his raw, instantly recognisable aesthetic. His print market presents unique investment opportunities, from rare artist-signed works to more accessible estate-produced editions, both of which have seen strong demand.
In this investment report, we examine Basquiat's print market performance spanning the past seven years. Leveraging auction and sales data from our dedicated database focused on prints and editions, our objective is to provide valuable insights to help you determine whether investing in Basquiat is a wise decision for 2025.
Is Buying A Basquiat Print A Good Investment?
Basquiat’s print market has fluctuated over the past five years, with shifts in both sales value and volume. Between 2021 and 2022, sales nearly doubled from £1.6 million to £3.1 million, despite a decline in lots sold from 33 to 17, highlighting the market’s reliance on rare, high-value signed prints. In 2023, sales totalled £2.3 million, but with a notable rise to 31 lots sold, reflecting growing interest in more accessible posthumous editions entering the market.
By 2024, the market saw an adjustment, with total sales declining to £877,200 across 16 lots. This shift likely reflects a combination of factors, including a more cautious approach from collectors and a natural correction following the high volume of posthumous prints available in 2023. The absence of rare, high-value signed works may indicate that collectors are either turning to private sales or waiting for broader market conditions to improve.
Looking ahead, 2025 could be a pivotal year in determining the market’s direction. The reappearance of a rare, signed limited-edition print - which can fetch anywhere from £800,000 to £1 million - would likely generate renewed excitement and provide an immediate boost. Auction houses refining their estimates and sustained demand for more affordable posthumous prints could also support a rebound. Conversely, private sales may continue to absorb top-tier works, limiting their visibility in public auctions. The key question remains whether collector sentiment will shift, reinforcing Basquiat’s print market in the months ahead.
What Happened In Basquiat's Print Market Performance In 2024?
Basquiat's print market saw a decline in sales value and volume in 2024, influenced by several key factors. First, an influx of posthumous prints in 2023 led to a natural market saturation, resulting in fewer new entries in 2024. Second, two of Basquiat’s highest-value editions - Back of the Neck and Untitled - both with extremely limited editions of 24 and 10, respectively, did not appear at auction. Additionally, broader economic uncertainty led both buyers and sellers to exercise caution, with many opting for private sales over public auctions, contributing to the slowdown in Basquiat’s market.
What Is The Average Value of Basquiat Prints?
Basquiat’s print market has experienced notable fluctuations in average value over the past five years. The market peaked in 2022, with the average selling price (ASP) reaching £181,800, following a steady climb from £48,000 in 2021. However, this high point was followed by a downward trend, with ASP falling to £75,000 in 2023 and further declining to £54,800 in 2024. These shifts reflect a pattern where peak years are typically driven by a lower volume of rare, high-value signed prints, while declines correspond with increased market activity for more accessible posthumous editions.
Looking ahead to 2025, the market’s trajectory will hinge on several key factors. If highly sought-after signed editions return to auction, they could significantly boost ASP, as these works often command prices nearing £1 million. Additionally, a shift in collector confidence and adjusted auction house estimates could contribute to market stabilisation or even a rebound. However, if the influx of posthumous prints continues to dominate supply, ASP may remain at lower levels. With these variables at play, 2025 will be a crucial year in determining the direction of Basquiat’s print market.
Top Performing Basquiat Print Collections
Basquiat’s print market follows an unusual pattern where lower print volumes do not always correlate with higher sales values, a contrast to typical print market dynamics. This is likely due to the inherently limited number of prints Basquiat produced during his lifetime. His most sought-after signed prints are rare and command high values when they appear, while posthumous releases from the estate contribute to volume but do not reach the same pricing levels.
In the most recent data, Anatomy Studies dominated sales value at £190,945 despite only one lot being sold, reinforcing the desirability of this signed collection. Meanwhile, Anatomy had the highest number of lots sold (3) but reached a lower total sales value of £58,973, reflecting its smaller-scale nature and accessibility. Other collections such as Hollywood Africans (£52,269) and The Figure Portfolio (£37,714) also performed well, indicating sustained interest across Basquiat’s diverse print offerings.
Basquiat Signed Prints
Basquiat’s print market has exhibited distinct trends in the performance of signed and unsigned prints over the past five years, with significant fluctuations in sales value. Signed prints have historically commanded the highest market value, with significant peaks in 2021 (£733,900) and 2022 (£2.6 million). These spikes were largely driven by the rare auction appearances of limited signed editions, which consistently achieve premium prices. However, following the 2022 high, signed print sales saw a steep decline, falling to £911,000 in 2023 and further dropping to just £20,600 in 2024. Early data for 2025 suggests a slow start, though it remains too early to determine the full-year trajectory.
Basquiat’s signed prints are exceptionally scarce, typically produced in editions ranging from just 13 to 45. Among the most coveted is Anatomy Studies, a set of four prints, three of which - Academic Study Of The Male Figure, Back Of The Neck, and Da Vinci, Leg Of A Dog - are signed. Back Of The Neck, one of the most sought-after of Basquiat’s signed prints, appears infrequently in public auctions but has a track record of significantly boosting annual sales performance. In 2023, it achieved a record-breaking £922,837 (with fees) at William Doyle in New York and has yet to resurface since.
The Anatomy series is Basquiat's most extensive signed print collection, instantly recognisable for its small-scale format and signature black Arches paper, adorned with his expressive anatomical sketches. Limited to just 18 editions per print, the collection has seen growing demand, with an impressive 52% average annual value increase over the past five years (excluding 2025). While their smaller format keeps price points between £11,000 and £50,000 (with fees), their rarity and direct link to Basquiat’s hand-drawn style make them highly sought-after among collectors seeking accessible yet valuable investment opportunities.
For more insights, listen to our Preserving Value live panel, where Greg Conn from The Urban Framer shares his personal experience framing one of these exceptional works.
Unsigned Prints (Estate Releases)
Unsigned prints have shown greater market stability with fewer extreme fluctuations compared to their signed counterparts. Sales values ranged from £602,800 in 2021, peaking at £787,700 in 2023, underscoring sustained demand for posthumous releases. In 2024, unsigned print sales held steady at £627,300 despite broader market caution. Early 2025 figures (£48,000) suggest a potential softening in demand.
Basquiat’s estate-released prints have played a pivotal role in expanding his print market. Following his passing in 1988, his estate was initially overseen by his father, Gerard Basquiat, until 2013. Since then, Basquiat’s sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, have taken over estate management. The estate’s first editioned print was released in 2001 in collaboration with Pace Prints, with new releases typically announced via Instagram. To date, the estate has authorised nine print sets, often in editions of 60 to 85, including Artist Proofs and Hors Commerce.
Estate-produced prints originate from Basquiat's original paintings. While they generally sell for around half or less than signed prints, the number of estate-released prints entering the market has increased, leading to record-breaking sales in 2023. This trend indicates a growing appreciation and demand for these works, offering collectors an opportunity to own a piece authenticated by the Basquiat Estate at a more accessible price point.
Other estate-produced prints that are not part of a specific collection include 50 Cent Piece, A Panel Of Experts, Cabeza, Charles The First, Flash In Naples, Flexible, King Brand, Rome Pays Off, and others. The Untitled series, released in 2001, consists of four posthumous prints signed by Gerard Basquiat. Additional posthumous editions include Hollywood Africans (1 work), Daros Suite (9 works), Jawbone Of An Ass (1 work), and the most recent release, Odours of Punt.
A major draw of posthumous releases lies in their rarity and unpredictable nature. Produced using modern printing techniques, these editions boast impeccable colouring, faithfully capturing the vibrancy of Basquiat’s most iconic paintings. By offering collectors the opportunity to own a Basquiat work at a more accessible price point without the multimillion-dollar price tag of his originals.
The Most In-Demand Basquiat Prints Within Our Network
Basquiat’s works are likely to continue commanding strong private demand until the market corrects, particularly for rare signed prints and high-value estate editions. Many collectors are opting for private sales over public auctions, drawn by the discretion, competitive pricing, and reduced fees they offer. At MyArtBroker, we facilitate these transactions through our extensive collector network, seamlessly connecting buyers and sellers via our Trading Floor. Whether seeking a signed edition like Back Of The Neck or a sought-after estate print, our experts provide tailored insights to ensure secure and high-value transactions.
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Blue Chip Artists Markets To Know
Basquiat's print market has exhibited volatility compared to other blue chip artists, with its peak occurring in 2023 at £2.7 million before declining significantly in 2024 and 2025. Unlike Warhol and Banksy, who have seen more stable and prolonged market performance, Basquiat’s sales value has fluctuated where the absence of high-value signed editions contribute drastically to drops in total market value. Meanwhile, estate-released prints have provided some stability, as they continue to maintain interest among collectors at more accessible price points.
Looking ahead, Basquiat’s market remains heavily reliant on the availability of rare signed works to drive high-value sales. If such prints re-enter the market in 2025, we could see a rebound similar to the fluctuations observed in previous years. However, with overall auction activity slowing and private demand strengthening, Basquiat's print market may continue to see more discreet transactions rather than record-breaking public sales.
Where To Start When Looking To Buy A Basquiat Print?
The price distribution of Basquiat’s prints highlights the market's segmentation, with the majority of sales occurring in the £30,000–£50,000 range (38%), followed closely by the £15,000–£30,000 bracket (31%). These price points primarily reflect posthumous estate-released prints, which vary significantly in value. While some posthumous prints trade at the lower end of the spectrum, others - such as Cabeza, which recently achieved £131,175 at SBI Art Auction in Japan - can command far higher prices, especially as demand grows in emerging markets.
Works Under £20,000
Basquiat’s most affordable prints are his black Anatomy works, but their values are quickly appreciating. These smaller-format signed prints were originally priced in the lower tiers but are gaining traction as collectors recognise their rarity. While posthumous editions can sometimes be acquired for under £20,000, their pricing remains inconsistent due to their relatively recent introduction to the market. The long-term trajectory of these prints remains uncertain, as they have not been in circulation long enough to establish a clear pattern of appreciation.
The Prints Most In-Demand Basquiat Prints from Investors
Investor demand for Basquiat prints tends to mirror trends in his original paintings, with the most sought-after works featuring his most recognisable symbols - crowns, skulls, and bold, expressive figures. While some prints gain traction due to their connection to specific paintings, the strongest demand is typically for works that embody Basquiat’s raw, energetic style and cultural significance.
Although individual posthumous prints typically trade between £20,000 and £70,000, complete sets occasionally emerge on the market and can command anywhere from £100,000 to £350,000 or more. These sets remain rare, contributing to their high valuations when they do appear.
Overall, Basquiat’s print market continues to expand, with posthumous releases playing a significant role in broadening accessibility. Whether these prints will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but their strong demand indicates their growing importance within the market.
Liquidity of Basquiat Print Works
The liquidity of Basquiat’s print market is driven by a combination of strong collector demand, limited supply, and the distinct segmentation between signed and posthumous editions. Signed prints, particularly those from small editions, tend to be the most liquid, often selling quickly when they appear due to their rarity and direct connection to Basquiat’s hand. However, their sporadic availability can create fluctuations in market momentum. Posthumous prints, while more widely available, offer varied liquidity where their accessibility can reach a wider pool of buyers in expanding regions, but there are also high instances of unsold prints with these works. However, despite some softening in auction results, private sales continue to absorb high-value prints, ensuring that liquidity remains relatively strong even in cautious market conditions.
Recent Market Performance And Current Opportunities
The regional performance of Basquiat’s print market in 2024 reflects a strong concentration of sales in the United States, accounting for 69% of all lots sold. Asia follows with 19% of sales, signalling a growing demand, particularly in markets like Japan, where recent auction results suggest increasing influence. The United Kingdom accounts for 13%, maintaining a steady, though smaller, presence in the market.
The key opportunity lies in the expanding Asian market, where Basquiat’s popularity has been rising, particularly among younger collectors and those drawn to his influence on street art and contemporary culture. Recent auctions, such as SBI Art Auction in Japan, have seen strong results for posthumous prints, indicating a potential shift in demand. As collectors in this region become more active, auction houses may begin adjusting estimates to attract more interest.
Upcoming exhibitions could also impact market trends. The Brant Foundation in New York is currently hosting Jean-Michel Basquiat: Made on Market Street, running through May 15, 2025, showcasing rare works from the artist’s time in Los Angeles. Additionally, The Albertina Museum in Vienna is set to open a Basquiat retrospective in October 2025, further cementing his global appeal. These exhibitions may lead to increased collector interest and market activity, particularly if key prints related to the showcased works emerge at auction.
Jean-Michel Basquiat Top Selling prints
Back Of The Neck
Back Of The Neck (1983) features bold, distorted impressions of a muscular body, blending body parts in an unsettling fusion against a black background. Unlike Basquiat’s Anatomy series, which isolates labeled body parts, this piece merges them disproportionately. Highly acclaimed in 2023, it resurfaced in Q4 at William Doyle in New York, its first appearance since 2021. It set a new auction record, selling for £922,837, making it Basquiat’s top-selling print of the year.
Flexible
Flexible (2016) depicts a West African griot, symbolising Basquiat’s cultural heritage and storytelling traditions. Inspired by a wooden painting from his studio, it reflects his 1986 visit to the region. Limited to 85 editions and signed by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, the print is highly sought after. In 2023, a hors commerce version set an auction record at Sotheby’s Singapore, selling for £221,776 (with fees), making it Basquiat’s second-highest-selling print of the year.
Image © Phillips / Untitled (Leonardo) © Jean-Michel Basquiat 1983Untitled (from Leonardo)
Untitled (from Leonardo) (1983) is a rare complete set published by New City Editions in Venice, California - a provenance that traces back to Basquiat’s time in Venice during the 1980s. Combining anatomical precision with his signature blend of seriousness and humour, these five sketches set a new auction record at Phillips in 2024, achieving £142,997 with fees.
