Because I’m Worthless (red)
Because I’m Worthless (red)
Signed Print
Banksy
£40,000-£60,000Value Indicator
$80,000-$120,000 Value Indicator
$70,000-$110,000 Value Indicator
¥380,000-¥570,000 Value Indicator
€45,000-€70,000 Value Indicator
$400,000-$610,000 Value Indicator
¥7,490,000-¥11,230,000 Value Indicator
$50,000-$80,000 Value Indicator
AAGR (5 years) This estimate blends recent public auction records with our own private sale data and network demand.
There aren't enough data points on this work for a comprehensive result. Please speak to a specialist by making an enquiry.
Medium: Screenprint
Edition size: 75
Year: 2004
Size: H 50cm x W 35cm
Signed: Yes
Format: Signed Print
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Auction Results
| Auction Date | Auction House | Location | Hammer Price | Return to Seller | Buyer Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2023 | Tate Ward Auctions | United Kingdom | |||
| 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 |
Meaning & Analysis
Banksy's 2004 silkscreened Because I'm Worthless is from his Placard Rat series. Banksy’s rats represent the masses; as Banksy references L'Oreal's motto, he highlights the oppressed self-esteem of the working class under neoliberal consumerism. The print was released in various editions: this one with red text, from a signed edition of 75.
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.
