Jean-Michel Basquiat Untitled (From Leonardo) For Sale

Untitled (From Leonardo) Series, 1983

In 1983, at the apex of his meteoric rise, Jean-Michel Basquiat created the remarkable "From Leonardo" series—a confrontational dialogue between Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci and contemporary urban expression. This body of work represents Basquiat at his most intellectually ambitious, directly engaging with Western art historical canon while simultaneously deconstructing its authority. The series comprises seven works including Untitled 1-4 (from Leonardo), Academic Study of the Male Figure, Leg of a Dog, and Untitled (from Leonardo), each demonstrating the artist's sophisticated understanding of both classical technique and post-modern critique.

Basquiat's reinterpretation of da Vinci's anatomical studies showcases his characteristic fusion of high and low culture, combining gestural abstraction, text fragments, and primitive mark-making with deliberate nods to Renaissance draftsmanship. The series particularly references Leonardo's legendary anatomical drawings, transforming precise scientific observation into raw, visceral commentary on the body, power, and artistic legacy. Works like Academic Study of the Male Figure simultaneously honor and subvert traditional life drawing conventions, while pieces such as Leg of a Dog reveal Basquiat's ability to find revolutionary potential in Leonardo's lesser-studied sketches. This intellectual rigor, combined with Basquiat's explosive visual language, positions the series as a pivotal achievement within his abbreviated but profoundly influential career.

From a market perspective, the "From Leonardo" series represents exceptional collecting opportunities within Basquiat's oeuvre. Works from 1983—Basquiat's most critically acclaimed period—continue to achieve record prices at auction, with thematic series commanding particular premium due to their contextual significance and relative scarcity. The art historical importance of Basquiat directly engaging with Renaissance masters adds substantial scholarly and investment value, as these works demonstrate the artist's deliberate positioning within the continuum of Western art history. For collectors seeking museum-quality Basquiat works with impeccable provenance and intellectual gravitas, the "From Leonardo" series offers unparalleled combination of artistic achievement and enduring market strength.

Guy Hepner | Contemporary Art Gallery