Oil chalk drawing on white wove tablet paper, untitled (Fig. 1 Nostradamus Eyeball), signed* with the artist's initials (Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1960-1988). Dated 1982. 12 x 9 inches. Very good condition, having no visible or apparent repairs. Unframed for inspection and shipping. Sold unframed.

Provenance: Robert "Rob" Weir, New York City. Suzanne Kahn, a gift from the latter in 1983. Acquired from Suzanne Kahn by the consignor's parents in or around 1985. Thence by descent to the present owner.

Robert Weir was a part-time set designer who was friendly with a number of Andy Warhol regulars who frequented the Factory in the 1970s and 80s, where it is believed he met Basquiat.

The present drawing and three companion drawings in this auction were part of a partially-complete tablet of drawings, 7 others (including the tablet's back cover) still remaining with the consignor. It is not certain how or precisely when Weir acquired the tablet, although he gave it to Suzanne Kahn in 1983, several months before his death.

Lot Note: The four drawings being offered in this sale were removed from their original tablet years ago and were framed together. It is speculated that they were created to be a set. The drawings are inscribed "Fig. 1", "Fig, 2", "Fig. 8", and "Fig. 9". Rearranging those numbers produces "1982", the date that appears on two of the drawings. Whether this was intentional on the part of the artist or not is impossible to know. But it is a curious possibility first raised by the consignor's parents many years ago.

*Preston Hall Gallery has not had this lot examined by an expert to determine its authenticity. The lot description and the lot title are for identification purposes only and do not constitute an attribution. Preston Hall Gallery is not an authority on works by this artist. The style, subject matter, and signature seem correct in our opinion although our assessment may not be accurate. Some works sold by Preston Hall Gallery have subsequently been authenticated and resold by major auction houses worldwide; however, we cannot guarantee the same outcome for the present lot. There are risks associated with buying unauthenticated works of art. The value and marketability of this work could be positively or negatively affected by an expert's examination and opinion. Such opinions can vary, and some opinions may not be favorable. An expert or panel of experts could judge the work to be "in the style" of (but not by) the named artist, an "afterwork" (a copy), or a counterfeit (a forgery). For additional information regarding works of art, please see "Authentication and Provenance of Fine Art," following Section 27 in our Terms & Conditions of Sale (as found on Live Auctioneers) before placing your bid. No additional information regarding this lot's provenance is available nor will any be provided after the sale. Unless stated otherwise in the lot description, the provenance for this lot may not have been verified and could contain factual inaccuracies or omissions that could impact the value of the artwork. This lot is not guaranteed nor is its provenance. It may not be returned. [Copyright 2021 Preston Hall Gallery].

BY PLACING A BID, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE AND TO THE DISCLAIMER THAT ACCOMPANIES THIS LOT. If you do not agree with our Terms & Conditions of Sale or with the lot's disclaimer, you should not bid.