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21 years ago, a portrait of the then Queen Elizabeth II (†96) was published, the likes of which had never been seen before: the head of a crowned chimpanzee in the foreground, the colors of the Union Jack serving as a circular background – “Monkey Queen”, signed by the most famous anonymous artist in the world: Banksy. But this very image could now pose a threat to his valued anonymity.
Two art collectors are outraged by Banksy’s own company Pest Control: the company should refuse to recognize a print of the “Monkey Queen”. And that despite the fact that Banksy’s signature is on it. The company’s website states that certificates of authenticity are issued for all works of art. The two collectors, Nicky Katz and Ray Howse, went to court and sued the company for breach of contract. According to ‘Bild’, they had previously tried to solve the problem with the company themselves for three years – and never received an answer.
Pest control must act now. If the company does not verify the printout, the matter will have to be heard in court. This means that this could reveal the true name of the anonymous artist. Banksy once said personally in a telephone interview with an art magazine: “I have no interest in ever coming out.” If he doesn’t act now, this resolution will likely be jeopardized.
Katz and Howse acquired ‘Monkey Queen’ in 2020 from the estate of another collector. The unique portrait cost her 33,645 francs – an amount that could easily double if a certificate of authenticity were issued. There are only 150 genuine copies of the motif.
Believed to be from Bristol, England, Banksy is known for his signature graffiti stencil artwork. His work ‘Love is in the bin’ was shredded at the 2018 auction at the same time the hammer hit the auction table, making it something of a legend. It was sold for a whopping 25 million francs. The film ‘Game Changer’, which shows a nurse as a superhero, also grossed 23 million francs. (Unpleasant)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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