尚·米榭·巴斯基亞

款識
藝術家簽名，SCIPIO A. SCIP

美國私人收藏
artnet Auctions，2012年4月24日，拍品編號64789
美國私人收藏
artnet Auctions，2014年12月18日，拍品編號105622
現藏者購自上述拍賣

This work is in very good condition overall. Evidence of light discolouration of paper along the edges of the work which is consistent with the work's age. There are minor signs of abrasion scarcely scattered across the work, primarily along the left edge. This work is not examined out of its frame. Framed in museum glass.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

西方名當代藝術家尚·米榭·巴斯基亞常常筆不離手，從日常生活中汲取大量靈感，圖文並茂地不斷記錄自己對周遭世界的觀察——從街頭生活、流行文化，到階級、種族乃至世界歷史，都成為他的主題。巴斯基亞的藝術創作不受媒材所囿，常常隨意使用手邊的物品作畫，本作則為一例。本繪圖乃藝術家繪於一本一九八三年紐約托尼·沙弗拉茲畫廊舉辦的〈冠軍〉展覽圖錄中。該展覽有不少年輕藝術新秀參與展出，如唐納德·貝奇勒、凱斯·哈林與尚·米榭·巴斯基亞本人等。同年，巴斯基亞還參加了紐約惠特尼美國藝術博物館舉行的雙年展，他其時年僅二十二歲，是惠特尼雙年展至今少數極為年輕的參展藝術家之一。本作可謂巴斯基亞經典的紙上作品，他以隨興的風格繪畫出其標誌性圖像——兩個頭冠皇冠、暗暗竊笑的骷髏面龐。旁邊的題款「SCIPIO A」意指羅馬戰士大西庇阿（Scipio Africanus），他因成功攻下數個非洲國家而獲封綽號「Africanus」，以示敬重。大西庇阿此名亦與其他歷史人物如漢尼拔、蘇格拉底、亞歷山大大帝等，一同出現在藝術家作於一九八二年的名畫作《驢子的下顎骨》中。巴斯基亞刻意將其名劃去，藉此強而有力的視覺表達方式來抗議對殖民主義的美化以及白人優越主義。藝術家自幼在紐約布魯克林區長大，親身經歷種族分歧及差別待遇。由此可推，本作透過白色人像頭戴代表殉難和聖徒的光環或荊棘冠冕，和黑色人像頭充代表勝利凱旋的王冠，對上述社會不公現象進行反思及譴責。