Untitled (1982). Image courtesy of Sotheby s.
Call it the battle of the Basquiats.
After years of rising prices and intensifying demand, the market for the beloved artist is now at a fever pitch.
This week, both Christie’s and Sotheby’s will feature major works by the sought-after Haitian-American artist, who died at 27 in 1988.
At Christie’s, it’s
In This Case (1983), a large skull on a red background, with an unpublished estimate of about $50 million. It was reportedly consigned by fashion designer and cofounder of Valentino, Giancarlo Giammetti.
Meanwhile,
Versus Medici (1982) will be part of Sotheby’s sale, where it is estimated to bring in between $35 million to $50 million.