Keith Haring, Untitled (Plate 2), 1982

Artist: Keith Haring (1958 - 1990)
Title:Untitled (Plate 2)
Reference:Littmann P. 19 b
Medium:Lithograph on Arches Paper
Image Size:22 5/8 in x 33 ½ in (57.5 cm x 85.1 cm)
Sheet Size:24 in x 36 in (61 cm x 91 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 40 in red pencil in the lower right margin. Published by Barbara Gladstone Gallery, New York.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in red pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-10003

Historical Description

Keith Haring Untitled (Plate 2), 1982 is a compelling work from the earlier years of the artist’s career. This work employs imagery consistent with Haring’s oeuvre but is distinctive in that it is depicted entirely in black and white. The bold linework in this piece is created with the use of a lithographic plate coated in black ink in the design of the composition. In the foreground of Untitled (Plate 2), 1982, a figure sits in the center of the work with a black ‘X’ drawn on its abdomen. The action lines that surround him imply that he is frantic about the two figures with dog heads who appear to be dragging him towards a crucifix that lies in the background. These barking dogs are a recurring icon in Haring’s work and are often associated with violence, a topic the artist often discusses in his practice. The crucifix, a symbol of popular religion, suggest that the artist may be expressing an association of religion with cruelty.

Keith Haring Untitled (Plate 2), 1982 is part of an untitled portfolio from 1982. This body of work depicts some of Haring’s original icons performing in scenes that discuss imagery of religion and violence. Also featured in this portfolio are Untitled (Plate 1), Untitled (Plate 3), Untitled (Plate 4), Untitled (Plate 5), and Untitled (Plate 6).

Created in 1982, this lithograph on Arches paper is hand-signed by Keith Haring (Reading, 1958 – New York, 1990) in red pencil in the lower right margin and numbered from the edition of 40 in red pencil in the lower right margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Keith Haring Untitled (Plate 2) , 1982 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Littmann, Klaus. Keith Haring: Editions on Paper 1982-1990, The Complete Printed Works. Hatje Cantz Publishers: New York, 1993. Listed on pg. 18 and illustrated on pg. 19 b.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Keith Haring Untitled (Plate 2), 1982 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.