By Keyanna Harper
- Christie’s is set to auction Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “The Italian Version of Popeye Has No Pork in His Diet” for an estimated $30M
- Additional works from anthropologist Francesco Pellizzi’s collection also hit the auction block, with expectations soaring above $60M
Christie is preparing to auction The Italian Version of Popeye Has No Pork in His Diet by Jean Michel Basquiat this May. This among other Basquiat’s masterpieces are ready to hit the auction block at Christie’s, a world-known auction house for the arts. The 1982 painting potentially reached bids surpassing $30 million. It’s been seven years since the last Basquiat painting was sold and it set an auction record for selling at $110.5 million.
Why This Matters: Christie’s is preparing for a significant turnout, given Basquiat’s popularity and the hefty price tags his works have fetched in the past, including the notable “Versus Medici,” which sold for $50 million. The upcoming auctions in New York City and Hong Kong are set for this May, promising to be landmark events in the 2024 art market calendar. The Italian Version of Popeye Has No Pork in His Diet is particularly notable not just for its title but for its rarity and the backstory of being unseen publicly since its last 2007 showcase in Milan. Alongside this headline piece, three early works from Basquiat masterpieces, once owned by Francesco Pellizzi, are set to be auctioned at Christie’s New York and Phillips in Hong Kong. Additional works from anthropologist Francesco Pellizzi’s collection will also hit the auction block, with expectations soaring above $60 million.
Although there will be other art pieces in the auction, Jean Michel Basquiat’s creative legacy remains a significant figure in the arts. His paintings are consistently reaching high prices at auctions worldwide. This upcoming auction showcases Basquiat’s lasting impact on the art world. His works also reflect the robust state of the luxury art market. As these artworks shift from ownership to display, they spark conversations about the worth of postmodern art.
Situational Awareness: The upcoming auction also highlights Basquiat’s legacy and the high-end art market. As these pieces transition from private hands to the public eye, they invigorate discussions around the value and appreciation of postmodern art. It also exposes his works to diverse audiences and influence other upcoming artists. Since Basquiat’s art pieces usually focus on various themes, the relevance of his work will hopefully continue through the collectors who will now become custodians. It will now be up to them to safeguard his legacy in today’s creative world.
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