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The art community is in a state of reflection following the recent auction of Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano),” which sold for an impressive £4.3 million at Sotheby’s on 4th March, 2025. The sale has garnered significant attention not only for its remarkable outcome but also for the poignant timing surrounding the auction: the original artist, Jack Vettriano, sadly passed away on the 1st March, officially reported on the 3rd March the day before the auction.
Vettriano’s beloved ‘The Singing Butler’ Image Copyright Jack Vettriano
Banksy’s piece, a powerful reinterpretation of Vettriano’s beloved ‘The Singing Butler’, takes a critical stance on contemporary issues such as environmental degradation. In this artwork, Banksy replaces the romantic scene of a couple dancing with alarming imagery of men in hazmat suits transporting toxic waste, making a striking comment on pollution and the ongoing environmental crisis. This transformation underscores the profound impact of human activity on our planet while also paying homage to Vettriano’s iconic work.
Banksy’s “Crude Oil (Vettriano),” which sold for an impressive £4.3 million at Sotheby’s on 4th March, 2025. Image © Banksy
Mark Hoppus, co-founder of blink-182, and his wife, Skye, acquired the piece in 2011, where it held a cherished place in their home. The sale of the cherished piece at Sotheby’s auction saw Hoppus reflecting on the painting’s personal significance, emphasising how it framed moments of family life, including breakfasts with their son. Read more here.
Hoppus and Skye plan to allocate a portion of the auction proceeds to support Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars Sinai Haematology Oncology Research. Additionally, the couple will donate a portion to the California Fire Foundation for recovery efforts after this year’s devastating wildfires.
Mark Hoppus, co-founder of blink-182 acquired the piece in 2011, where it held a cherished place in their home. Image credit Max Montgomery
In 2004, Vettriano’s original version sold for £744,800 at Sotheby’s, a figure that was monumental at the time and set a benchmark for Scottish artwork sold at auction. This sale not only highlighted the value of Scottish art but also captured collectors’ imaginations. Fast forward to today, and the recent auction result of £4.3 million for Banksy’s tribute marks a dramatic evolution in the art market. It reflects a growing recognition of contemporary artists.
This surge underscores the increasing value placed on diverse artistic voices, showcasing a new era where groundbreaking works command extraordinary prices, especially when the artwork is signed by Banksy!
