Untitled (Horse and Rider with Art Sign)
Work on paper (Drawing) • Attributed to the Neo-Expressionist movement, specifically showing stylistic traits consistent with the early work of Jean-Michel Basquiat or his contemporaries in the NYC graffiti/neo-expressionist scene
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism / Urban Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Charcoal and possible oil stick or wax crayon on heavy toned paper with deckled edges
Creation Period
Circa 1980-1984
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches; vertical portrait format on rectangular paper
Subject Description
The drawing depicts a central equestrian figure consisting of a stylized human rider atop a horse’s head and mane. To the right of the rider is a sign bearing the word 'ART' enclosed in a box. The composition is framed by a rough, hand-drawn rectangular border within the larger sheet, utilizing expressive, gestural lines and a grimacing, mask-like facial structure for the rider.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (considering the intentional raw aesthetic); shows characteristic signs of historical aging
Estimated Market Value
$45,000 - $85,000 (if authenticated to a major artist of the period)
Auction Estimate
$30,000 - $60,000
Provenance History
Likely originated from a private collection of late 20th-century American art or a contemporary gallery specializing in downtown New York artists of the 1980s. No visible labels are present on the front face.
Art Historical Significance
The piece represents the transition from street art to high gallery art in the 1980s. The inclusion of the 'ART' sign suggests a meta-commentary on the commodification of the creative process, common among artists like Basquiat and Haring. It reflects a raw, primal energy intended to challenge traditional academic standards.
Notable Features
Heavy, aggressive charcoal application; prominent use of 'text' as a visual element; raw deckled edges of the paper suggest an industrial or found-material aesthetic popular in lower Manhattan studios.
Condition Issues
Visible undulating of the paper consistent with high humidity or previous rolling; deckled edges show minor wear; slight foxing or staining visible in the margins; possible light-induced yellowing of the paper stock.
Conservation Recommendations
Mounting using acid-free reversible hinges; UV-protective museum glass (glazing); maintain a stable environment with 50% relative humidity; avoid direct sunlight exposure.