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

Because I’m Worthless (red)
Unsigned Print

Banksy

£13,500-£20,000Value Indicator

$27,000-$40,000 Value Indicator

$24,000-$35,000 Value Indicator

¥120,000-¥180,000 Value Indicator

16,000-24,000 Value Indicator

$130,000-$190,000 Value Indicator

¥2,600,000-¥3,850,000 Value Indicator

$17,000-$25,000 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: 175

Year: 2004

Size: H 50cm x W 35cm

Signed: No

Format: Unsigned Print

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17 in network
15 want this
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Banksy's Because I'm Worthless (red) (unsigned) from 2004 is a screenprint, with an estimated value of £13,500 to £20,000. This artwork has shown consistent value growth, with an average annual growth rate of 9%. This piece has an auction history of six total sales since its entry to the market on 12th October 2016. In the last 12 months, the hammer price has ranged from £14,000 in March 2020 to £40,000 in November 2020. The average return to the seller over the past five years is £23,000. The edition size of this artwork is limited to 175.

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Auction Results

Auction DateAuction HouseLocation
Hammer Price
Return to Seller
Buyer Paid
December 2020Phillips Hong Kong Hong Kong
November 2020Tate Ward Auctions United Kingdom
March 2020Forum Auctions London United Kingdom
February 2020Tate Ward Auctions United Kingdom
March 2019Phillips London United Kingdom
December 2018Bonhams Knightsbridge United Kingdom
November 2018Phillips London 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.