If you have a spare $40 million, maybe $50 million, laying around, why not try your luck at Christie’s New York auction next month? The auction house is showcasing one of legend Jean-Michel Basquiat’s earlier paintings, dated back to 1982, and it’s predicted to beat his auction record of $48.8 million.

The painting is a sixteen feet wide, supposed self portrait of Basquiat. It depicts a devil like subject in the centre of the canvas, painted in black and red with sharp horns. The abstract theme washes colours of cream and a dominant red across the background while the vertical slashes in multiple colours resemble claw marks. It has quite a destructive aesthetic but maintains a modern-for-its-time look.

1982 was a big year for Basquiat. Only 22 at the time, he had his first solo show at the New York’s Annina Nosei Gallery. He was also the youngest artist to feature in curator Rudi Fuchs’ Documenta 7. So there is no denying this piece plays a special part in Basquiat’s history, and it’s only bound to add value to the masterpiece. The auction will take place on May 11, so you better start saving those pennies.

• Words: Mikaela Ortolan