KEITH HARING (1958-1990)
Untitled, 1984
DayGlo and acrylic on canvas
19 1/8 x 19 1/8 inches (48.6 x 48.6 cm)
Signed, inscribed, dedicated and dated twice
‘FOR GRANDMA + GRANDPA DEC 29 1984 N.Y.C. MERRY CHRISTMAS + HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVE, KEITH 1984’
(on the overlap)

Provenance
Emma and Chester Haring, gift of the artist
By descent from the above to the late owner

Auction History
Christie’s New-York: 15 May 2025
Estimated: USD 350,000 – 450,000
USD 567,000

KEITH HARING (1958-1990), Untitled | Christie’s

 

Coming directly from the estate of Keith Haring’s late mother, this painting hung prominently in the Haring home in Kutztown, Pennsylvania for decades. The canvas was originally a gift from Keith to his grandparents during the Christmas holiday of 1984, and subsequently passed to Keith’s mother, Joan Haring. Emblazoned with the Haring surname at the bottom, across the crawling baby, which is arguably symbolic of Keith himself, the painting represents the artist’s enduring connection with his family and home in Pennsylvania at the peak of his fame in New York. The two large figures with linked heads may represent Keith’s grandparents, as the painting is fondly dedicated ‘For Grandma + Grandpa’ on the reverse.

While living in New York and traveling the world, Haring maintained a regular connection with his family, and he frequently sent artwork, letters and gifts home to Kutztown. This work, in addition to being an iconic DayGlo canvas, has the unique importance of being emblematic of the Haring family. It is an iconic example of the artist’s virtuosic graphic skill, with special provenance and a touching inscription on the reverse, making it a one-of-a-kind example of the artist’s paintings.