Jean-Michel Basquiat's Pablo Picasso

Although they never met, Pablo Picasso had a large influence on Jean-Michel Basquiat's work, with the latter citing the former's monumental Guernica as his favorite artwork as a child. Yet while Basquiat was open about seeking Picasso-level fame, he also knew Pablo's shortcomings, and he comes to grips with this dichotomy through his Untitled (Pablo Picasso). Measuring roughly 3' x 3', the metal panel artwork is made up of oil, acrylic, and oil stick, and features the face of a young Picasso juxtaposed with the trademark striped shirt of the older artist. His shirt is rendered a bold red and white, while blue forms both his hair and a storm cloud above. Text, a constant in most of Basquiat's work, also appears, with Picasso's name appearing multiple times, along with "FAMOUS" script hidden in the clouds and "PICASSO AT 15 YEARS / PICASSO AS A FIFTEEN YEAR OLD" partly obscured across his chest. A pure example of an artist reflecting on his relationship with another, the work will be auctioned by Christie's as part of their London Evening Sale on June 28.