“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.”

— Banksy, Wall and Piece 2005

The present lot The Leopard and Lamb by Banksy is a captivating portrayal that seamlessly integrates the biblical symbolism with the artist’s contemporary socio-political commentary. Exhibited at Banksy’s renowned Walled-Off Hotel in Bethlehem, situated close to the separation wall, and captures a moment of harmony. The work depicts a leopard lying peacefully beside a lamb, invoking the prophetic imagery from Isaiah 11:6: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat.” This visual metaphor not only enriches the biblical reference of natural enemies in serene coexistence but also subtly critiques war and conflict, urging a reflection on the universal hope of peace.

Walled-Off for Peace

Born in Bristol, UK, Banksy’s identity remains shrouded in mystery, enhancing the enigmatic appeal of his work. Emerging from the graffiti scene in the early 1990s, Banksy's distinctive stencilling technique has been pivotal to contemporary art. Notably, the Walled-Off Hotel encapsulates a blend of art, politics, and tourism, engaging its guests with original artworks by Banksy. The hotel also houses a museum which commemorates the centennial of British control over Palestine, highlighting the prolonged period of turmoil and conflict that ensued. The hotel also supports local culture through an exhibition space for Palestinian artists. In building this hotel, the artist is once again proactively reflecting his consistent anti-war theme throughout his career. This project aims to potentially map and eliminate conflicts between the two countries, and to enhance and promote the development and tourism in the region.

The composition, set against a stark background filled with signature graffiti, draws the viewer’s focus immediately to the central figures, encapsulated with a golden frame that adds an element of sanctity and preciousness. Lying together in tranquil pose, the seemingly predator and prey serve as a powerful allegory of reconciliation and cohabitation. The visual composition is stark and powerful, with the lustrous frame that elevates the symbolic gravity of the scene. Banksy’s use of a muted palette and the soft contrast between the sleek fur of the leopard and the soft wool of the lamb enhances the painting’s dreamlike and poignant quality, suggesting that such peace could be both a vision and an attainable reality.

Banksy’s Framed Works and Editions

Banksy’s oeuvre as a highly renowned street artist is punctuated with a variety of unique framed works, each distinct in its thematic exploration and execution. Unlike his art on the streets, these framed pieces allow the artist to delve deeper into the nuances of his subjects, offering a more controlled and refined commentary. The rarity of such works adds to their allure and significance, making them highly celebrated objects. The present lot also stands as a testament to this important aspect of his practice, showcasing not only his artistic versatility but also his act of engaging with the complex, philosophical and social issues within the confines of the canvas and frame. Similar to the present lot as a unique work, Phillips had previously offered Forgive Us Our Trespassing, featuring a young boy in a pose of prayer, set against a backdrop of imposing stained glass, merging themes of innocence with institutional critique. Additionally, the Banksquiat series pays homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat, confronting issues of identity, fame, as well as the themes of injustice in society. Like the present lot, these works showcase the artist’s adeptness at harnessing art as a tool for social commentary, while also engaging with the broader narratives of art history and its contemporary implications.

During the same period as the creation of the present lot, Banksy was actively engaging in street art projects that addressed socio-political issues, notably around the refugee crisis in Europe. For instance, his 2016 mural ‘Les Misérables’ at the French Embassy in London critiqued the use of tear gas on refugees at Calais, highlighting the disparity between human rights ideals and reality. This piece, like the present lot, employs potent symbols—the tearful face of Cosette against the backdrop of the French flag—to provoke public discourse on pressing humanitarian issues. At the heart of Banksy’s practice lies a profound advocacy for peace. The Leopard and Lamb encapsulates this vision as in many of his projects on the streets, proposing an ideal where adversaries not only coexist but do so in peaceful accord. This artwork serves as both a hopeful aspiration and a critical reflection on the state of global conflicts, particularly in the setting of the divide. By invoking such powerful symbolism, Banksy not only challenges viewers to reconsider their own views on peace and conflict but also elevates the discourse around what role art can play in the international arena of dialogue and reconciliation.

Collector’s Digest

Banksy is one of the leading and most provocative street artists of his generation. His stencils are amongst the most instantly recognisable and defining images of contemporary British art, contributing to Banksy being voted the nation’s favourite artist in 2019.

Inspired by the thriving graffiti community in his home city, Bristol, Banksy's works began appearing on trains and walls in 1993, and by 2001 his blocky, spray-painted works had cropped up all over the United Kingdom. Typically crafting his images with spray paint and cardboard stencils, Banksy is able to achieve a meticulous level of detail. His aesthetic is clean and instantly readable due to his knack for reducing complex political and social statements to simple visual elements.