‘Show Me The Monet’: Banksy’s Version Of Impressionist Water Lilies Nets Nearly $10 Million

Topline

Mysterious U.K. street artist Banksy’s rendition of French impressionist Claude Monet’s famous water lilies sold for $9.8 million at Sotheby’s on Wednesday, the second most expensive Banksy piece the art world has seen at auction.

Key Facts

Tangent

According to a Sotheby’s statement, Show Me The Money “presents a dialogue on the impact of the corporate world on our environment and the sacrifices made at the expense of so-called ‘human progress’.”

Key Background

Despite being responsible for some of today’s most recognizable images, little is known about Banksy, who keeps his identity hidden. His work deals with provocative subjects like capitalism, authority, consumerism and poverty and often features his trademark black rats. During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, Banksy encouraged followers to social distance by sharing pictures of an art installation in his own home. In July, he spray painted the interior of subway cars in London with pandemic-themed cartoons, like rats using face masks as parachutes and holding bottles of hand sanitizer.

Further Reading

Banksy take on Monet masterpiece sells for £7.6 million (AFP)

Banksy’s Latest Coronavirus-Inspired Work Removed From London Tube By Cleaners (Forbes)

Under Lockdown, Banksy Strikes A New Target: His Own Bathroom (Forbes)