In 2025, while Jean‑Michel Basquiat’s paintings continue to headline auctions, it is his print market that signals both robust growth and broader accessibility. After a soft patch in 2024, prints—especially rare editions and artist’s proofs—have surged back, becoming a strategic entry point for collectors and an indicator of long-term market health.
Institutional Signals & Cultural Impact
Basquiat’s market strength isn’t just transactional—it’s felt institutionally:
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He was dubbed “the ultimate measure of artistic and financial value” in 2025, showing how his name continues to shape market psychology and identity-driven collecting
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An upcoming retrospective at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, opening October 2025, alongside exhibitions like the Brant Foundation’s Made on Market Street in New York earlier this year, boosts visibility and domestic confidence
These institutional interventions signal cultural legitimacy—critical for long-term valuation and market confidence.
Auction Highlights: Power in the Spotlight
Turnover and Record Moments
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A series of Basquiats anchored Sotheby’s $186.1 million contemporary art marathon in May, with one 1981 oil-stick on paper selling for $16.4 million.
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At Phillips in New York, Untitled (1984)—a collage with acrylic and spray paint—sold for $6.59 million, up from a previous $2.97m in 2016—a compelling 122% overall return.
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A standout was an Untitled from David Bowie’s personal collection, auctioned for $6.6 million—a testament to costume provenance while still illustrating strong deman
Basquiat’s presence in high-profile sales continues to show that blue‑chip works still occupy a premium position—even in a softening high-end market.
Why Prints Matter in 2025
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Accessibility + Value: Prints offer a way into Basquiat’s universe—rich in symbolism, street energy, and graphic power—without the tens of millions required for his canvases.
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Scarcity Meets Demand: Limited editions (especially from 1983) and artist’s proofs create natural scarcity. When these surfaces, competition is fierce.
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Long-Term Growth: From 2010 to 2024, Basquiat’s prints appreciated at an estimated 10–15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)—outpacing many financial assets. That trend is confirmed by recent sales.
Key 2025 Print Market Highlights
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The Daros Suite set a mid-2025 auction record at £134,495 (Sotheby’s).
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Phillips’ Superhero Portfolio realized £143,824.
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The Rinso Suite—a full set—made £304,567.
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An artist’s proof (AP) from the Cabeza series sold for $194,191 in Japan.
These figures underscore renewed bidding for top-tier domains in Basquiat’s prints market—particularly rare sets and APs.
Elite Editions: The Market’s Apex
Two prints stand at the very top of Basquiat’s print market hierarchy:
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Untitled (1983, ed. 10 + 2 APs): Sold for just over $4 million in 2022—still the record print price.
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Back of the Neck (1983, ed. 24): Sold for $1,241,000 in 2023 and continues to hover around this range.
These works rarely appear at auction—and when they do, they recalibrate market expectations.
The Anatomy Series and Emerging Mid-Market Appeal
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Basquiat’s Anatomy series (1982, signed screenprints on black Arches paper, ed. 18) has seen notable attention, with 52% average annual value growth over the recent years (excluding 2025). Though smaller in scale their rarity and hand-drawn style make them highly compelling for both aesthetic and investment-minded buyers.
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A broader report noted that, despite lower turnover in 2024, a peak of 66 lots sold (the highest volume in a decade) and a 33% unsold rate, reflecting a correction toward mid-market prints.
Print Pricing Landscape—2025 Snapshot
|
Tier |
Description |
Recent Price Range |
|
Blue-Chip Prints |
Untitled (1983, ed. 10) |
$4M+ |
|
High-End Editions / APs |
Rare sets (Rinso, Daros), Cabeza APs |
$170,000 USD+ |
|
Anatomy Series |
Signed prints, small size |
$40,000 USD+ |
|
Standard Editions |
Superhero Portfolio, single editions |
$50,0000 USD + |
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Volume vs. Selectivity: While the number of prints sold rose in 2024, value normalized, suggesting a transition from speculative frenzy to disciplined growth.
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Cultural Resonance: Basquiat’s social commentary—race, power, identity—bolsters both emotional and investment value. His prints—while mechanically produced—still engage deeply on a social level.
Macro Trends Supporting Print Growth
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Mid-tier strength: The global market’s most robust segments are works priced in and around $100,000 USD. Prints fall squarely in this zone and benefit accordingly.
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New Collectors, Broad Appeal: Millennials and Gen Z make up an expanding share of buyers, gravitating toward visually potent and culturally resonant names like Basquiat.
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Institutional Momentum: Continued exhibition and publication of Basquiat’s work—especially print-inclusive retrospectives—help sustain visibility and secondary demand.
Collector & Seller Strategy: 2025 Print Market
For Collectors:
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Aim high: If affordable, prioritize rare sets and notable APs—they reward both passion and value growth.
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Value rarity: The Anatomy series offers accessible entry with excellent upside and collection cachet.
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Document well: Provenance is key—especially now that the Estate no longer authenticates works. Exhibition history, invoices, and prior sale records matter.
For Sellers:
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Aim for selectivity: Best results come from rare works—focus on high-quality editions delivered at peak demand.
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Time the market: Connect sales with key exhibitions or estate-related events to benefit from media and collector attention.
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Focus on certification: Clear documentation drives buyer confidence, especially as the estate Authentication has shut down
Outlook Into 2026 and Beyond
Basquiat’s print market in 2025 is defined by smart growth—not hype. Rarity, cultural resonance, and generational interest are aligning to offer meaningful value appreciation and liquidity, especially within accessible price bands. As cultural institutions continue showcasing his art—including prints—it’s likely that the momentum will sustain into 2026 and beyond.
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