Basquiat's 10 Most Famous Paintings and Their Hidden Meanings

Jean-Michel Basquiat's prolific career produced hundreds of paintings, many completed in hours. His work incorporated symbols from urban culture, African history, and art history. 'Cadillac Moon' (1981) was his first sold painting, purchased by Debbie Harry for $200 after appearing in the film 'Downtown 81'. 'Dos Cabezas' (1982) was painted hours after meeting Andy Warhol, whom Basquiat idolized. 'Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump' (1982) reflects a happy urban childhood with a fire hydrant. 'Crown Hotel (Mona Lisa Black Background)' (1982) references Manet's 'Olympia' and da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa', exploring beauty, race, and commodification. 'Charles the First' (1982) pays tribute to jazz musician Charlie Parker, with the inscription 'MOST YOUNG KINGS GET THEIR HEADS CUT OFF'. 'Versus Medici' (1982) references Girolamo Savonarola's overthrow of the Medici. 'A Panel of Experts' (1982) depicts a fight between Suzanne Mallouk and Madonna. 'Napoleonic Stereotype Circa 44' (1983) refers to boxing matches between Max Schmeling and Joe Louis. 'Hollywood Africans' (1983) responds to the police killing of Michael Stewart. 'Flexible' (1984) features a West African griot.