Jean-Michel Basquiat's anatomical paintings are a crucial aspect of his oeuvre, reflecting his deep interest in the human body and its symbolic representation. These works often feature skeletal forms, internal organs, and anatomical diagrams, rendered with Basquiat's characteristic bold lines and vibrant colors. The anatomical imagery in his paintings serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition.

Basquiat's fascination with anatomy can be traced back to his early experiences. At the age of seven, he was hit by a car and hospitalized. During his recovery, his mother gave him a copy of Gray's Anatomy, a medical textbook filled with detailed illustrations of the human body. This book had a profound impact on Basquiat, influencing his visual vocabulary and recurring motifs throughout his career. The skeletal forms and anatomical details in his paintings can be seen as a direct reference to this early exposure (MoMA).

In works like Riding with Death (1988), Basquiat uses anatomical imagery to delve into existential themes. This painting features a skeletal figure riding a horse, evoking the motif of the danse macabre, or the dance of death, which symbolizes the inevitability of mortality. The skeletal figure is depicted in Basquiat's raw, expressive style, emphasizing the fragility and transience of life. The use of anatomy in this context underscores Basquiat's contemplations on life, death, and the human experience (Whitney Museum).

Another significant work is Untitled (Skull) (1981), where Basquiat presents a large, disembodied skull surrounded by vibrant colors and fragmented text. The skull, rendered in an almost cartoonish manner, is both menacing and intriguing, reflecting Basquiat's ability to blend horror and fascination. The painting’s chaotic composition and intense energy capture the viewer’s attention, forcing them to confront the themes of death and decay. Basquiat’s use of the skull as a central motif also ties into his broader exploration of identity, suggesting a universal human condition beneath the surface of individuality (Tate).

Basquiat's anatomical paintings also often include elements of medical diagrams and scientific notations. These details, juxtaposed with his expressive, graffiti-like marks, create a dialogue between the clinical and the chaotic. In works like Leonardo da Vinci’s Greatest Hits (1982), Basquiat references the famous anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, blending high art with his own contemporary, urban aesthetic. This fusion of historical and modern elements highlights Basquiat’s eclectic influences and his ability to transcend traditional artistic boundaries (Guggenheim).

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s anatomical paintings are a testament to his unique artistic vision and his deep engagement with the human form. Through his use of skeletal imagery, medical diagrams, and expressive compositions, Basquiat explored complex themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. These works remain some of his most powerful and enduring, reflecting his ability to convey profound ideas through his distinctive visual language (The Broad).