Basquiat Prints, Posters, Books and Fashion
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a New York artist of the 1980s who first became known through the SAMO graffiti tag he created with a friend in downtown Manhattan. He quickly moved into painting and became one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. His crowns, skulls, words and layered symbols remain instantly recognizable. This page brings together current eBay listings for Basquiat prints, posters, books and fashion.
What you find on eBay
- Basquiat prints: mostly posters, exhibition prints and later reproductions of his paintings.
- Basquiat books: exhibition catalogues, monographs and biographies.
- Basquiat fashion: licensed apparel, sneakers and accessories featuring his imagery.
What you are actually buying
Original works by Basquiat are rare and are handled by major galleries and auction houses, not typically sold through casual online listings. Most Basquiat prints available online are posters, licensed products or reproductions made after his lifetime. That does not make them a bad buy for decoration, but it does mean you should read every description carefully.
Be very cautious with any listing that claims to offer a Basquiat original, a signed work or a hand-finished piece. His name is among the most faked in the art market, and a forgery can be accompanied by paperwork that looks official but is not. Any serious claim should be backed by a clear provenance, meaning a documented history of ownership, sales and exhibitions.
How to check authenticity and condition
- Read the fine print: words like "after," "inspired by," "reproduction" or "estate licensed" tell you what kind of item it is.
- Check printing details: exhibition posters usually name the gallery or museum and the show.
- Question certificates: a certificate of authenticity from an unknown third party carries little weight.
- Inspect condition: look for creases, pinholes, tape residue, fading and water damage.
- Fashion items: check labels, tags and packaging for official licensing information.
Books and posters as a smart way to collect
Exhibition catalogues and well-preserved museum posters are a popular, affordable way to enjoy Basquiat's work. First editions of books in good condition and original exhibition posters are often more sought after than recent reprints.
Own a Basquiat poster, print or book and want to know more about it? Upload a photo for a free estimate on StreetArtValue.com and get a first idea before you buy or sell.
Listings come from independent eBay sellers and are not checked by us.