Dog Leg Study

Medium: Screen-print in colors on 300gsm Somerset Satin Paper
Year: 1982-83/2019
Sheet: 22×30 inches (55.9 x 76.2 cm)
Edition: 50
Artist’s Proofs: 20
Other Editions: 5 Printer’s Proofs (PP), 1 BAT
Publisher: Flatiron Editions, New-York, 2019

Each screen-print bears the signatures of Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, Administrators of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat on verso, as well as the stamps of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Flatiron Editions

Dog Leg Study is an amusing depiction of part of an animal’s anatomy in the style of a scientific chart. If we look closer, though, there are also political themes written directly onto the canvas. The centre of the composition offers up a number of bones, which connects directly to the title of the work. Some of the parts of the leg are then labelled by Basquiat. Alongside these elements, though, is then a plethora of bizarre additions which initially leave us confused – how do these items connect within the complex mind of this artist. There are then some references to Haiti, and the involvement of some western nations. Basquiat had clear roots in Haiti and so these historical events would also have been important to him. A strong knowledge of his background is necessary in order to understand some of the different parts of his paintings. He also placed the names of several famous boxers into this artwork, including Sugar Ray Robinson who appears again elsewhere. Basquiat was attracted to boxing as it allowed sportsmen from his background to achieve fame and fortune, even surpassing their white counterparts in some cases.

Auction Results

Bonhams New-York: 2 November 2021
Estimated: USD 18,000 – 24,000
USD 24,062

Phillips Hong-Kong: 4 December 2020
Estimated: HKD 100,000 – 200,000
HKD 126,000 / USD 16,128