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Untitled is a painting created by Haitian American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1982. The artwork, which depicts a skull, is among the most expensive paintings ever. In May 2017, it sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby's, the highest price ever paid at auction for artwork by an American artist in a public sale.
The human skull is an obvious and frequent symbol of death, found in many cultures and religious traditions. [1] Human skeletons and sometimes non-human animal skeletons and skulls can also be used as blunt images of death; the traditional figures of the Grim Reaper – a black-hooded skeleton with a scythe – is one use of such symbolism. [2]
The subdued facial expression is a contrast to the vibrant colors that suggest an abundance of internal activity. Basquiat's use of heads and skulls are deeply rooted in his identity as a Black American and are evocative of African masks. [4] "He developed a unique style, which combined expressive and at times violent brushstrokes with words ...
The Black Banner or Black Standard used by Abu Muslim in his uprising leading to the Abbasid Revolution in 747. During the German Peasants' War in the 16th century, the white, black and pink flag was used by the revolting farmers. Afghanistan flew a solid black flag from 1709 to 1738 and from 1880 to 1901 (see Flag of Afghanistan).
Skull art is found in various cultures of the world. Indigenous Mexican art celebrates the skeleton and uses it as a regular motif. The use of skulls and skeletons in art originated before the Conquest : The Aztecs excelled in stone sculptures and created striking carvings of their Gods. [ 1 ]
The artwork is Basquiat's response to anti-Black racism and police brutality. It memorializes the death of Michael Stewart at the hands of New York City Transit Police for allegedly writing graffiti in the subway. No graffiti was found, according to Stewart's girlfriend at the time of his death.
Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette, by Vincent van Gogh Almond Blossoms , by Vincent van Gogh (edited by Crisco 1492 ) Flowering Plum Tree (after Hiroshige) at Copies by Vincent van Gogh , by Vincent van Gogh
The flag most commonly identified as the Jolly Roger today – the skull and crossbones symbol on a black flag – was used during the 1710s by a number of pirate captains, including Black Sam Bellamy, Edward England, and John Taylor. It became the most commonly used pirate flag during the 1720s, although other designs were also in use.