Jean-Michel Basquiat Portfolio Ii For Sale

Jean-Michel Basquiat's Portfolio II Series

Jean-Michel Basquiat's Portfolio II stands as one of the most significant print portfolios in contemporary art, comprising four seminal screenprints that distill the raw energy and revolutionary vision of one of the 20th century's most influential artists. Created in 1982 and published posthumously in 2004, this collection features Charles the First, Cabeza, Jawbone of an Ass, and Rome Pays Off—each work a powerful testament to Basquiat's genius during his most creatively explosive period. These screenprints translate the artist's iconic visual vocabulary of crowns, skeletal figures, text fragments, and cultural symbols into a format that democratized his vision while maintaining exceptional artistic integrity.

The technical achievement of Portfolio II cannot be overstated. Each screenprint required meticulous color separation to capture Basquiat's spontaneous, gestural mark-making and his signature interplay between text and image. The works showcase his ability to synthesize street art aesthetics with art historical references, combining influences from African art, jazz, anatomy, and social commentary into compositions that remain viscerally contemporary. The portfolio's posthumous publication followed rigorous standards to ensure each print faithfully represented Basquiat's original works, with expert collaboration from the artist's estate ensuring authenticity and curatorial excellence.

From a market perspective, Portfolio II occupies a crucial position in Basquiat's oeuvre. As the artist's print works become increasingly scarce and his painting prices reach record-breaking heights at auction, these screenprints represent an essential entry point for serious collectors and institutions building comprehensive holdings. The complete portfolio is exceptionally rare on the market, while individual prints from the series have demonstrated strong appreciation and sustained collector demand. Each work is properly documented, typically numbered from the limited edition, and represents museum-quality examples of Basquiat's printmaking practice.

For collectors seeking blue-chip contemporary art with established provenance and art historical significance, Portfolio II represents both a sound investment and a profound cultural artifact. These works continue to influence contemporary artists and command attention in major exhibitions worldwide.

Guy Hepner | Contemporary Art Gallery