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

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

¥370,000-¥550,000 Value Indicator

50,000-70,000 Value Indicator

$390,000-$590,000 Value Indicator

¥7,630,000-¥11,440,000 Value Indicator

$50,000-$80,000 Value Indicator

12% AAGR

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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Track auction value trend

The value of Banksy's Because I'm Worthless (red) (signed) is estimated to be worth between £40,000 and £60,000. Over the past five years, the hammer price has ranged from £36,800 in March 2023 to £75,000 in February 2021. This screenprint has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 12%. This work has a strong auction history, having been sold 6 times since its entry to the market in March 2012. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 75.

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Auction Results

Auction DateAuction HouseLocation
Hammer Price
Return to Seller
Buyer Paid
March 2023Tate Ward Auctions United Kingdom
March 2023Christie's London United Kingdom
February 2021Bonhams New Bond Street United Kingdom
September 2020Sotheby's London United Kingdom
October 2019Tate Ward Auctions United Kingdom
March 2012Bonhams New Bond Street United Kingdom

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.