Jean-Michel Basquiat

Larry Gagosian Gallery, Los Angeles
Acquired by the present owner from the above in September 1985

Claremont, Montgomery Gallery, Pomona College, Crossing the Line: Word and Image in Art, 1960-1990, September - October 1990

This work is very good condition overall. The panel is laid down to a backing board. The paper collage is stable and well adhered to the panel. There is time staining noted to the collaged sheet. There are some losses to the paper that appear to be original to the work and part of the artist's working method. The found panel support shows evidence of minor wear and light surface soiling, due to the artist choice of found materials. The lower left corner of the panel is rounded, there is a small hole in the lower left and there is fine splintering noted along the edges and corners, also inherent to the found nature of the materials. Framed in a Plexiglas box frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"I was a big fan of boxing, and when he was a kid, there would be fights on television every Friday. We would sit together and watch. He talked about Joe Lewis, Jersey Joe Wolcott, all of them – the great boxers of years past” (Gerard Basquiat in Exh. Cat., New York, Deitch Projects, Jean-Michel Basquiat 1981: The Studio of the Street, May 2006, p. 98)