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Because I’m Worthless (red) - Signed Print by Banksy 2004 - MyArtBroker

Because I’m Worthless (red)
Signed Print

Banksy

£25,000-£35,000Value Indicator

$50,000-$70,000 Value Indicator

$45,000-$60,000 Value Indicator

¥240,000-¥340,000 Value Indicator

29,000-40,000 Value Indicator

$260,000-$370,000 Value Indicator

¥4,990,000-¥6,990,000 Value Indicator

$35,000-$45,000 Value Indicator

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50 x 35cm, Edition of 75, Screenprint

Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 75
Year: 2004
Size: H 50cm x W 35cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
Last Auction: March 2023
Value Trend:
-7% AAGR

AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.

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Auction Results

Auction Date
Auction House
Location
Return to Seller
Hammer Price
Buyer Paid
March 2023
Tate Ward Auctions
United Kingdom
$40,000
$45,000
$60,000
March 2023
Christie's London
United Kingdom
February 2021
Bonhams New Bond Street
United Kingdom
September 2020
Sotheby's London
United Kingdom
October 2019
Tate Ward Auctions
United Kingdom
March 2012
Bonhams New Bond Street
United Kingdom
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Track auction value trend

Banksy's Because I'm Worthless (red) (signed) from 2004 is a striking screenprint, with an estimated value of £20,000 to £40,000. This artwork has shown consistent value growth, with an auction history of six total sales since its entry to the market in March 2012. Over the past five years, the hammer price has ranged from £36,800 in March 2023 to £75,000 in February 2021, resulting in an average annual growth rate of -6%. The edition size of this piece is limited to 75.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.8Mar 2012Jan 2014Nov 2015Sep 2017Jul 2019May 2021Mar 2023$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,000$60,000$65,000© MyArtBroker

Meaning & Analysis

In this print, Banksy uses one of his most famous symbols, the rat, which references the famous French graffiti artist Blek Le Rat. Banksy regularly uses the rat as a motif in a number of his artworks - whether this is pure coincidence or whether it’s due to the fact that “rat” is an anagram of art is not certain. The image shows a rat in Banksy’s signature stencil-style, wearing a Peace chain, holding a placard that drips in red (or pink) graffiti reading, ‘Because I’m Worthless.'

As with all Banksy artworks, there are multiple interpretations of this much sought-after screen print. Banksy famously uses the rat to symbolise 'the masses' and working public at large, thus representing the way that society deems such “vermin” as worthless. However, Banksy is also slightly mocking the L’Oreal strapline ‘Because I’m Worth it’, which might be seen as a subversive nod to neoliberal consumer capitalism and its relationship to the exploitation of the working class.

The Banksy Placard Rat series also includes Get Out While You Can and Welcome To Hell.

  • Renowned British street artist, Banksy, is the enigmatic figure behind some of the most subversive works in the Urban Art scene. Despite his anonymity, the artists' disruptive stunts have not only gained him notoriety, but they have vocalised his stance on many social and political issues. As seen with the likes of Girl With Balloon and Napalm, Banksy uses his distinctive stencil technique to produce thought-provoking commentaries on challenging themes. The showcase of rebellion that lines his work has caused his secondary market value to soar in recent years, propelling him to the top of the Urban Art scene.

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