Jean-Michel Basquiat Whitney Retrospective Poster — An Icon of Postwar Art History
The early 1990s marked the moment when Jean-Michel Basquiat, already a legend by 1988, was canonized by the museum world. Among the most meaningful artifacts from that era is the official Whitney Museum of American Art retrospective poster from 1992–1993, a scarce and coveted lithograph that today stands as a piece of contemporary art history in its own right.
Specifications and Exhibition Details
This original 1992 lithograph poster was produced by the Whitney Museum to accompany Basquiat’s landmark retrospective, held from October 23, 1992 through February 14, 1993. Measuring approximately 26 x 38 inches, the poster features the 1983 painting “In Italian,” reproduced under license from the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The design was executed by Nathan Gallard, with sponsorship from AT&T and additional contributions from the National Committee of the Whitney Museum, Madonna, and MTV Music Television.
Printed in relatively small quantities and never reissued, these posters were intended as ephemeral exhibition material—making surviving examples surprisingly scarce. Condition sensitivity is common, with handling wear, edge creases, and margin tears typical of original, unframed examples that circulated in the 1990s.
Condition and Authenticity
This example displays signs consistent with its age and original distribution, including edge wear, surface handling, and minor tears repaired from the reverse. For collectors, condition is important, but originality and period correctness matter far more. Retrospective-era ephemera tied directly to major museum exhibitions—particularly Basquiat’s first posthumous institutional survey—carry strong historical significance and are widely considered blue-chip collectible paper.
Authenticity of Basquiat posters is a growing concern in today’s market, as unlicensed reprints and modern reproductions often circulate online. Genuine 1992 Whitney prints are easily distinguished by their lithographic quality, period typography, and correct sponsor credits. This poster aligns with the identifying traits of verified originals from the exhibition.
Legacy & Value
Basquiat’s place in contemporary art history is singular: his work bridged the downtown graffiti movement, postwar expressionism, and the politics of identity with raw, brilliant immediacy. As his paintings now command tens of millions at auction, ephemera tied to his lifetime and early posthumous exhibitions have surged in demand.
Original Whitney retrospective posters typically fall in the $1,000–$2,000 range depending on condition, with top examples exceeding this during peak collector cycles. Given its rarity, cultural importance, and connection to a defining museum exhibition, this poster represents one of the strongest entry-level Basquiat acquisitions available to collectors.
Estimated Appraised Value
A fair market estimate for this original 1992 Whitney retrospective lithograph poster, based on condition and current market data, ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. High-end examples in near-mint condition may exceed this range, while pieces with significant wear trade toward the lower end. Its value is supported by its historical significance, exhibition provenance, and growing scarcity among serious Basquiat collectors.
This is precisely the type of artwork where formal appraisal and authentication matter. Posters from major museum exhibitions are increasingly targeted for unauthorized digital reprints, and documented provenance remains essential for long-term value, insurance coverage, and resale confidence.
At DJR Authentication, we appraise and authenticate fine art, museum posters, and collectible works on paper, providing full documentation suitable for insurance, estate planning, resale, and more. To begin a submission or learn more about our evaluation process, visit our services page. In-person consultations are available by appointment in Charleston, SC.
