PARIS.- A rare Jean Michel Basquiat work “Monticello” heads a groundbreaking sale on Friday.

With an upper estimate of 900,00 euros, Monticello is a rare and important work representing Basquiat’s personal passions and unique style.

Basquiat’s definition of graffiti was vastly different to the New York scene of which he was a part. His images, references and content were inspired by a wide range of subjects.

“Monticello” represents the stylized drawing of the US five cent coin, and offers both an economic and a political interpretation - as a comment on unbridled capitalism and racism.

Basquiat’s own ambiguity towards money - to a statement on racism, as Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s house and domain, and by smearing the text on the painting, Basquiat emphasizes the plurality of American society as he expresses solidarity with it’s minorities.

During the 9 years of his short but prolific career, Basquiat produced an important set of works, of which the colors, images, content and references are extremely rich. His entire thematic includes various subjects inspired by his autobiography, black heroes, comic books and cartoons, anatomy, graffiti, and symbols associated with graffiti.

Jean-Michel Basquiat embodies the New York scene of the 1980s in all its extremes; he was also one of Warhol’s protégés, and important collaborator.

Digard Auctions and Mary McCarthy host the international Urban Contemporary art sale at Hotel Drouot in Paris on Friday 25 October 2013. The auction starts at 15:00.