Right Clavicle, From Anatomy Series
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 1982
Medium: Screenprint
Size: 76.2 x 56.5 CM
Screenprint on 88 Arches Paper
18 Signed and Numbered
Distinguished by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s fusion of anatomy, language, and cultural symbolism, Right Clavicle, From Anatomy Series (1982) is a screenprint on Arches 88 paper measuring 76.2 × 56.5 cm. Part of Basquiat’s celebrated anatomical explorations, this signed and numbered edition of 18 offers exceptional rarity. Its museum-quality provenance, limited production, and intellectual depth position it as a coveted acquisition for collectors of contemporary art.
Right Clavicle, from Anatomy Series is a remarkable work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reveals the artist’s fascination with the human body, knowledge systems, and the connection between physical structure and personal identity. The work originated from Basquiat’s acclaimed Anatomy series and does not have a street graffiti version. While Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings in New York, this work belongs to his mature studio period, when he transformed street-derived imagery into influential contemporary art.
By focusing on a single anatomical element, Basquiat turns scientific study into a meditation on strength, vulnerability, and human experience. The clavicle, a structure that connects and supports the body, becomes a metaphor for connection, resilience, and the hidden frameworks that shape identity. His expressive marks, handwritten notes, and raw visual energy challenge traditional medical illustration while preserving his signature symbolic language.
Collectors value Right Clavicle, from Anatomy Series for its rarity, intellectual depth, and importance within Basquiat’s exploration of anatomy. Works from this series are highly sought after for their unique combination of academic reference, cultural commentary, and artistic innovation.
Curator Insight: At ArtLife Gallery, we see this piece as Basquiat at his most analytical—turning anatomy into a visual language about humanity itself.
Related to Ligaments of the Elbow, Untitled (Head), Dog Leg Study, and Flexible, this work represents Basquiat’s influential period of merging research, symbolism, and expressive freedom into collectible contemporary art.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose journey from New York's underground graffiti scene to the international art market transformed contemporary art forever. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat first gained attention in the late 1970s through the graffiti collective SAMO before becoming one of the defining artists of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Basquiat became so famous because he fused raw street culture with fine art, creating powerful works that explored race, identity, politics, and social inequality through a bold visual language unlike anything seen before. Although his career lasted less than ten years, his influence on modern art continues to grow decades after his death.
Basquiat's paintings are instantly recognizable for their energetic compositions, expressive brushwork, fragmented text, bold color palettes, and layered symbolism. Recurring motifs including crowns, skulls, anatomical sketches, athletes, musicians, and historical references reflect his exploration of identity, race, power, and cultural history. His collaborations with Andy Warhol further elevated his profile and remain among the most celebrated partnerships in contemporary art.
Today, Basquiat's work is displayed in leading museums and prestigious private collections worldwide. Among the biggest collectors and celebrity owners of Basquiat art are influential figures from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and finance, reflecting his enduring appeal across industries. His cultural impact extends beyond the gallery, with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Uniqlo, and Supreme drawing inspiration from his iconic imagery through high-profile collaborations.
For collectors, Jean-Michel Basquiat is widely considered a blue-chip investment. Original paintings regularly achieve multi-million-dollar prices at auction, while important works have sold for more than $100 million. Limited-edition prints and drawings offer more accessible entry points, although demand remains consistently high. The greatest advantages of investing in Basquiat include exceptional global recognition, strong secondary-market performance, and enduring cultural relevance.
More Jean-Michel Basquiat Works to Explore
Right Clavicle, From Anatomy Series
by Jean-Michel Basquiat
Year: 1982
Medium: Screenprint
Size: 76.2 x 56.5 CM
Screenprint on 88 Arches Paper
Distinguished by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s fusion of anatomy, language, and cultural symbolism, Right Clavicle, From Anatomy Series (1982) is a screenprint on Arches 88 paper measuring 76.2 × 56.5 cm. Part of Basquiat’s celebrated anatomical explorations, this signed and numbered edition of 18 offers exceptional rarity. Its museum-quality provenance, limited production, and intellectual depth position it as a coveted acquisition for collectors of contemporary art.
Right Clavicle, from Anatomy Series is a remarkable work by Jean-Michel Basquiat that reveals the artist’s fascination with the human body, knowledge systems, and the connection between physical structure and personal identity. The work originated from Basquiat’s acclaimed Anatomy series and does not have a street graffiti version. While Basquiat first gained recognition through his SAMO graffiti writings in New York, this work belongs to his mature studio period, when he transformed street-derived imagery into influential contemporary art.
By focusing on a single anatomical element, Basquiat turns scientific study into a meditation on strength, vulnerability, and human experience. The clavicle, a structure that connects and supports the body, becomes a metaphor for connection, resilience, and the hidden frameworks that shape identity. His expressive marks, handwritten notes, and raw visual energy challenge traditional medical illustration while preserving his signature symbolic language.
Collectors value Right Clavicle, from Anatomy Series for its rarity, intellectual depth, and importance within Basquiat’s exploration of anatomy. Works from this series are highly sought after for their unique combination of academic reference, cultural commentary, and artistic innovation.
Curator Insight: At ArtLife Gallery, we see this piece as Basquiat at his most analytical—turning anatomy into a visual language about humanity itself.
Related to Ligaments of the Elbow, Untitled (Head), Dog Leg Study, and Flexible, this work represents Basquiat’s influential period of merging research, symbolism, and expressive freedom into collectible contemporary art.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist whose journey from New York's underground graffiti scene to the international art market transformed contemporary art forever. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat first gained attention in the late 1970s through the graffiti collective SAMO before becoming one of the defining artists of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Basquiat became so famous because he fused raw street culture with fine art, creating powerful works that explored race, identity, politics, and social inequality through a bold visual language unlike anything seen before. Although his career lasted less than ten years, his influence on modern art continues to grow decades after his death.
Basquiat's paintings are instantly recognizable for their energetic compositions, expressive brushwork, fragmented text, bold color palettes, and layered symbolism. Recurring motifs including crowns, skulls, anatomical sketches, athletes, musicians, and historical references reflect his exploration of identity, race, power, and cultural history. His collaborations with Andy Warhol further elevated his profile and remain among the most celebrated partnerships in contemporary art.
Today, Basquiat's work is displayed in leading museums and prestigious private collections worldwide. Among the biggest collectors and celebrity owners of Basquiat art are influential figures from the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and finance, reflecting his enduring appeal across industries. His cultural impact extends beyond the gallery, with major brands including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Uniqlo, and Supreme drawing inspiration from his iconic imagery through high-profile collaborations.
For collectors, Jean-Michel Basquiat is widely considered a blue-chip investment. Original paintings regularly achieve multi-million-dollar prices at auction, while important works have sold for more than $100 million. Limited-edition prints and drawings offer more accessible entry points, although demand remains consistently high. The greatest advantages of investing in Basquiat include exceptional global recognition, strong secondary-market performance, and enduring cultural relevance.