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A Seller’s Guide To Jean-Michel Basquiat

Sheena Carrington
written by Sheena Carrington,
Last updated23 Jan 2025
10 minute read
Jess Bromovsky

Jess Bromovsky

Sales Director

jess@myartbroker.com

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Jean-Michel Basquiat?

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Jean-Michel Basquiat's influence remains powerful in the art market, with his original works consistently fetching millions at auction. Recently, this impact has extended to his print market, where signed prints by Basquiat and those posthumously produced by his estate have seen significant value increases. If you're considering selling a Basquiat print, this guide offers essential tips on preparing your work for sale and maximising its potential on the market.

How much Will My Jean-Michel Basquiat Print Sell For?

Basquiat’s print market has seen a significant surge in value in recent years mirroring the rising demand for his original works, which frequently dominate major spring and autumn auctions at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips. This sustained success at the top end of the market has created a ripple effect, driving prices for his prints, which continue to feature prominently in the corresponding Editions sales during these key auction seasons.

Two standout prints continue to commanded the highest prices at auction while demonstrating substantial appreciation in value. Untitled (1983), published in a scarce edition of just 10, with two artist proofs (APs), has only appeared at auction five times. Its most recent sale set a new record, exceeding £3 million.

The second highest-valued Basquiat print, Back of the Neck (1983), was released in a slightly larger edition of 24 and has become increasingly rare on the market, with current valuations ranging between £700,000 and £1 million. Both of these works, signed by Basquiat, represent the pinnacle of his print market, cementing their status as the most sought-after editions.

Basquiat Anatomy Collection Market Performance, 2015 - 2024

Basquiat’s Signed Prints: Market Performance and Rarity

While Basquiat’s signed prints rarely appear at auction, when they do, they often exceed expectations. In April 2024 at Phillips, a set of five signed screenprints from an edition of 45 came to market, achieving £142,997 - more than double the high estimate of £70,000. These prints, originally published in Venice, California, where Basquiat had strong ties to in the beginning of his artistic career, and hand-signed, exemplify the importance of authenticity and provenance in his print market, reaffirming the premium collectors place on artist-signed editions.

The Anatomy Series

Basquiat’s Anatomy series is the only print collection he produced during his lifetime. Featuring white anatomical sketches of ligaments, pelvises, and thyroids on black Arches paper, these works are often sold in groups of two to four and typically valued at £100,000 or more. Individual prints from the series are rare and coveted for natural traces of the artist, as highlighted in our OPEN EDITION live panel: Preserving Value, now regularly achieve up to £30,000, while sets of three or four prints tend to sell for £40,000 - £50,000 in the current market.

A complete set of Anatomy prints is extremely rare at auction - the last time one appeared was in 2017 at Sotheby’s, fetching £282,240 with fees. Unlike other print series, these works are frequently sold as single prints or in random groupings, making the likelihood of acquiring a full set increasingly difficult.

The Rise of Estate-Signed Basquiat Prints

Interest in posthumously produced Basquiat prints has surged in recent years. These editions, authorised and signed by the Basquiat estate, are carefully produced replicas of some of his most iconic paintings. The most notable release to date is Flexible (2016), based on Basquiat’s 1984 painting, which set a record price of £33.5 million in 2018 and ranks among his highest-valued works. On the secondary market, posthumous prints have performed strongly, selling between £30,000 and £100,000. While fluctuations have occurred, they are largely influenced by broader macroeconomic trends rather than a decline in collector interest.The most recent posthumous release, Odours Of Punt (2024), has yet to appear on the secondary market, making its future value and market reception one to watch.

Estate Editions vs. Artist-Signed Prints

While hand-signed Basquiat prints continue to command the highest prices, estate editions are gaining traction among collectors. With growing demand and limited availability, many Basquiat prints - whether signed, unsigned, or estate-authorised - are increasingly traded through private sales, rather than at auction. At MyArtBroker, we offer free valuations and provide direct access to a global network of collectors, facilitating secure and seamless transactions for both buyers and sellers.Browse Basquiat prints on the Trading Floor And Read The Jean-Michel Basquiat Investment Guide.

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Authentication And Your Jean-Michel Basquiat Print

The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat & The Role of Provenance in Authentication

The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat holds the legal rights and interests of the artist, working to preserve and exhibit his work while serving as a source of accurate information about his life and legacy. However, like many artist estates, it does not authenticate artworks - a practice discontinued in 2012.

Provenance research is essential in establishing the authenticity of Basquiat’s prints and originals. For paintings, this involves tracing ownership history, private collections, and exhibition records. While prints follow a similar process, additional nuances must be considered. Although the Estate of Basquiat does not maintain an official archive or a digital catalogue raisonné, its chronology section serves as a valuable reference for key moments in the artist’s career.

Another critical resource is the comprehensive survey of Basquiat’s work, first published by dealer and collector Enrico Navarra in 1996, with an updated edition in 2000. Though this highly sought-after publication is valued at approximately $5,500, it is available in select libraries and remains an essential tool for authentication. Given the absence of formal authentication from the estate, collectors must rely on detailed provenance records, trusted publications, and expert verification to assess the legitimacy of Basquiat prints.

“Basquiat's posthumous prints have gained traction. While producing posthumous prints is a modern approach, it ensures that his works continue to circulate and influence the market.”
Jess Bromovsky

Identifying Publishers, Collectors and Gallery Representation

When authenticating Basquiat prints, identifying the publisher is a key factor in determining authenticity. The Anatomy series, for example, was published by Annina Nosei Gallery, New York, a significant figure in Basquiat’s early career. Similarly, certain Untitled prints were produced by New City Editions, Venice, California, where Basquiat worked during his time on the West Coast. Exhibition history linked to Larry Gagosian, one of Basquiat’s earliest supporters, can further validate a print’s provenance and historical significance. These early associations are well-documented and add substantial credibility to the artwork’s origin, reinforcing its value in the market.

Certain collectors and gallery owners play a crucial role in tracing the provenance of Basquiat’s works. High-profile figures such as Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, Ernst Beyeler of the Beyeler Foundation, and renowned art dealer Jeffrey Deitch have been instrumental in Basquiat’s market, often facilitating private sales. Beyeler and Deitch notably showcased Basquiat’s Moderna Paintings and Valentine (1983-84) at Art Basel, further solidifying their involvement in his legacy.

Beyond traditional art institutions, Basquiat’s estate has collaborated with luxury fashion brands, driving interest among younger collectors and celebrities. However, given the high prevalence of forgeries in Basquiat’s market - most infamously highlighted by the Orlando Museum of Art scandal - tracing detailed provenance back to reputable galleries, collectors, or brokers is essential. Proper documentation not only ensures authenticity but also safeguards the work’s historical significance and long-term market value.

Ensuring Authenticity of Posthumous Prints

Basquiat’s posthumous prints can be authenticated through key details, primarily the publisher. To date, these editions have been released by Flatiron Editions and Pace Prints under authorisation from the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Flatiron Editions published Hollywood Africans in Front of the Chinese Theater with Footprints of Movie Stars in 2015, marking the first estate-authorised edition since 2005. In 2024, they released Odours of Punt, based on a 1983 painting. Pace Prints has also been involved in distributing select posthumous editions, including Hollywood Africans.

Each release varies in edition size and is announced unpredictably by the estate, making verification crucial. Collectors should confirm the creation date, edition number, and publisher, as well as ensure that the imagery aligns with Basquiat’s original works. Following Gerard Basquiat’s passing in 2009, ownership of the estate transferred to Basquiat’s aunts, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux. As a result, posthumous prints are signed by either Gerard Basquiat or his two aunts.

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What If My Jean-Michel Basquiat Print Needs Restoring?

Most of Basquiat’s prints are published on high-quality archival paper. His Anatomy series, created when the artist was just 22 years old, is printed on Arches wove paper, a heavyweight, acid-free material that resists yellowing over time. Given the age and limited availability of Basquiat's signed prints, some works may even contain traces of fingerprints from handling during production. In our OPEN EDITION Live Panel: Preserving Value, Greg Conn of The Urban Framer shares a fascinating story about such instances, emphasising how these markings should be carefully examined, as they could serve as authentic traces of Basquiat’s own touch - a rare and valuable detail in his print market.

Preserving and framing older works properly is essential to maintaining their value and ensuring long-term protection. Posthumous editions, authorised by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, are printed on Saunders Waterford paper, a premium, heavyweight stock renowned for its durability and suitability for screenprinting. While these editions are more recent, peper materials are constantly evoloving and understanding how to best preserve their condition is vital in the print market as condition can massievly impact value.

At MyArtBroker, our experts can assess the condition of your Basquiat print and provide guidance on conservation and framing. For further insights into print preservation and expert framing recommendations, visit The Directory for all your print buying and selling needs.

Untitled (Head) by Jean-Michel BasquiatUntitled (Head) © Jean-Michel Basquiat 1982

When Is The Best Time To Sell My Jean-Michel Basquiat Print?

Timing The Maket Through Seasonal Auction Cycles

Seasonal auction cycles play a crucial role in determining the optimal time to sell a Basquiat print. The major auction houses - Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips - host their marquee sales in May and November, aligning with the peak seasons of the art market. These high-profile periods attract international collectors, generate significant media attention, and often lead to stronger results for both Basquiat’s originals and prints.

Recent standout sales reflect this trend. Untitled (ELMAR) (1982), one of the highest-valued Basquiat works at auction in 2024, was sold by Phillips in May, reaffirming collector confidence in his market. Another exceptional result came in April at Phillips, where Untitled (from Leonardo) (1983), a complete edition set, outperformed expectations and sold well above its estimate.

For deeper insights into Basquiat’s print market trends, collector behaviours, and the latest sales data, download The Collector’s Guide to the Print Market in 2025.

Influence of Exhibitions and Media Coverage

Basquiat’s artistic legacy continues to thrive in 2025 with a series of major exhibitions worldwide, each offering fresh perspectives on his groundbreaking work while reinforcing his market value.

In Switzerland, Jean-Michel Basquiat: Engadin at Hauser & Wirth St. Moritz runs until March 2025, exploring the artist’s connection to the Swiss Alps. Meanwhile, the Currier Museum of Art in New Hampshire presents Jean-Michel Basquiat & Ouattara Watts: A Distant Conversation, which will run until February, placing Basquiat’s work in dialogue with Contemporary artist Ouattara Watts. This exhibition delves into themes of cultural identity, symbolism, and artistic exchange, reflecting Basquiat’s deep engagement with African and diasporic influences.

In Washington, D.C., the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is hosting Basquiat × Banksy, juxtaposing the works of two of the most influential street artists in history. For the first time, Basquiat’s Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (1982) is exhibited alongside Banksy’s Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search (2018), highlighting their shared visual language and commentary on urban life, race, and power structures.

Across the globe, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is featuring Behind the Canvas Series 1: Jean-Michel Basquiat. These exhibitions follow the success of Basquiat x Warhol: Painting With Four Hands at the prestigious LVMH Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, which showcased over 160 paintings jointly created by the two artists between 1983 and 1985. The exhibition was met with critical acclaim, further solidifying Basquiat’s lasting influence on the Contemporary art world.

Leveraging Market Insights

To ensure a successful sale, sellers should stay informed about recent market trends and upcoming exhibitions that could influence Basquiat's market. Understanding these market dynamics and leveraging periods of heightened interest and media coverage can significantly enhance the outcome of a sale. It is always recommend for sellers to consult with art market professionals to maximise returns and gauge the best timing based on current market conditions and demand.

Browse Basquiat prints on the Trading Floor And Read The Jean-Michel Basquiat Investment Guide.

LOOKING TO SELL YOUR BASQUIAT PRINT?

Request a free and zero obligation valuation with our team without hesitation. Track your prints & editions with MyPortfolio.

Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker

At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.

Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.

Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:

How a Private Sale Works

Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.

Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.

Advisory and Recommendations

In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.

Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.

Why Sale Your Jean-Michel Basquiat Print With MyArtBroker?

A Personalised Experience with Dedicated Experts

Selling your Basquiat print with MyArtBroker offers a range of benefits tailored to your needs. Our platform provides a personalised experience, guiding you through every step of the selling process to meet your specific goals. Our team of experts offers free, no-obligation valuations, ensuring you have an accurate understanding of your print’s market value. With deep knowledge of Basquiat's work and the broader art market, we deliver precise and insightful assessments.

Minimising Risk

At MyArtBroker, transparency and security are our top priorities when selling your artwork. Our live Trading Floor offers real-time market data and insights, keeping you updated on current trends and conditions. We conduct thorough due diligence to verify the authenticity and provenance of your piece, minimising the risks of counterfeit trading. By leveraging our internal expertise and collaborating with trusted external partners, we further reduce these risks.

We avoid the uncertainties of public auction sales, such as unsold items affecting value and market perception, by facilitating private sales for faster liquidity outside auction seasons.

Zero Seller Fees

Unlike traditional auction houses and private dealers, we do not charge seller fees, ensuring you retain the maximum proceeds from your sale. Our approach, combined with strategic marketing, enhances your selling experience. We specialise in rare and special edition prints, catering to both seasoned collectors and new buyers. We provide free valuations and prioritise digital innovation and targeted marketing through our extensive network and in-house magazine.

Access to a Vast Network

With a network of over 30,000 collectors actively buying and selling prints, MyArtBroker can quickly connect your Basquiat print with serious and interested buyers, maximising your chances of a successful and profitable sale.

Jean-Michel Basquiat Collection Management With MyPortfolio

Utilise MyPortfolio for Jean-Michel Basquiat Collection Management

MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio is an advanced collection management tool designed to assist collectors in managing and monitoring their Basquiat prints and editions while tracking their current market values. This feature provides access to a comprehensive print market database, encompassing over 50,000 auction histories from global auction houses, integrated with our proprietary algorithm, SingularityX. This cutting-edge algorithm analyses public auction and private sales data to deliver real-time valuations for individual prints, taking into account factors such as condition, colour, and other variables influencing value. Financial quant expert Stuart Jamieson discusses the workings of these algorithms in an insightful interview.

Advanced Art Technology for Smart Collecting

In today’s dynamic digital art market, advanced art technology tools are essential for collectors and industry professionals. By incorporating Basquiat prints into the MyPortfolio dashboard, users can monitor unique sales opportunities and track market performance in real-time, making the sales process more efficient. Our innovative technology has revolutionised art portfolio management, enhancing accessibility and providing data-driven insights for informed decision-making.

Explore Basquiat prints on the Trading Floor.

Determine the Value of Your Basquiat Print

Request a free, no-obligation valuation with our team. Track your Basquiat prints and editions with MyPortfolio for accurate and up-to-date market assessments.

Jess Bromovsky

Jess Bromovsky

Sales Director

jess@myartbroker.com

Interested in buying or selling
Jean-Michel Basquiat?

Get a valuation

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