Why is Monkey Queen important?

Monkey Queen epitomises Banksy’s identity as an artist. Likening the Queen to an ape, the satirical image engages in overt criticism of the British monarchy. Incorporating one of Banksy’s trademark motifs - the monkey - the work reminds us of his earlier work Laugh Now (2002). This depicts a monkey wearing a sandwich board that predicts a society run by primates.

How do I buy Monkey Queen?

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of buying work by Banksy is by using us to reach a seller. MyArtBroker is a curated site, meaning we feature artists that our collectors say they want. You can find Banksy art for sale here. You’ll need to create a free account to buy or sell with us.

How can I sell my Monkey Queen?

If you're looking to sell art by Banksy, click the link and we can help. We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on myartbroker.com. We analyse the demand for the work in question, take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge.

Monkey Queen by Banksy Background & Meaning

Monkey
Queen

Banksy's Monkey Queen is an inflammatory portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The monkey is pictured in the Queen's jewels and her coiffed hair, in front of a mod-style target background. The image was controversial enough to spark ‘Banksygate’ but is only exemplary of Banksy’s defiant anti-authoritarian attitude.

Meaning & Analysis

Steeped in anti-royalist sentiment, Banksy’s Monkey Queen was first produced in 2003. The subject of a number of headlines in that same year, the work was dubbed 'disrespectful' by many. Pictures on Walls described the work as a chance to “celebrate the fact that the highest position in British society is not a reward for talent or hard work but is simply handed out with the accident of birth. God Save The Queen”.

It is unsurprising that this Banksy print is one of his most controversial: produced using the artist's trademark stencil technique, it superimposes the monochromatic face of a monkey onto Queen Elizabeth II's iconic portrait. Only the monarch's hair, crown and jewellery are identifiable. The black and white portrait image is set against a target-shaped background; composed of red, white and blue, it evokes the so-called 'Union Jack' flag.

First displayed as a mural at 'The Chill Out Zone' youth club on Broad Street in Newent, Gloucestershire, Monkey Queen became the subject of some controversy when it was moved to pride-of-place in the club's front window. This move invited a swathe complaints from those who believed the the painting was disrespectful to the British monarchy and to the national flag. In the mainstream media, the Monkey Queen controversy was dubbed 'Banksygate'.

In the end, the youth club was asked by the government not to display the image during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. This raised questions about the right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression in the UK. Following the controversy, The Chill Out Zone replaced the painting with a poster depicting the Union Jack.

Monkey Queen epitomises Banksy’s identity as an artist. Likening the Queen to an ape, the satirical image engages in overt criticism of the British monarchy. Incorporating one of Banksy’s trademark motifs - the monkey - the work reminds us of his earlier work Laugh Now (2002). This depicts a monkey wearing a sandwich board that predicts a society run by primates.
Why we love Monkey Queen… "Like the Sex Pistols before him, Banksy knows an iconic subject – and an easy target – when he sees one. With Monkey Queen, the street artist manages to denigrate centuries of British imperialism, winning him many fans and haters alike." - Joe Syer
If you're looking to sell art by Banksy, click the link and we can help. We employ a number of techniques and practices in order to give a realistic and achievable valuation on any art listed on myartbroker.com. We analyse the demand for the work in question, take into consideration previous sales and auction valuations, we assess the current gallery valuation and monitor the current deals taking place via MyArtBroker every day. We regularly advise sellers on a price bracket for their artwork completely free of charge.