Hoppus's Banksy Nets Millions: A Vettriano-Inspired Masterpiece Finds a New Home

The art world is buzzing after Mark Hoppus, bassist of the iconic punk-pop band Blink-182, sold his Banksy artwork, "Crude Oil (Vettriano)," for a staggering £4.3 million (€5.2 million) at a London auction. The sale follows the recent passing of Jack Vettriano, the Scottish painter whose work inspired this unique piece of Banksy's oeuvre.

By Maria Miller

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Banksy's "Crude Oil (Vettriano)," created in 2005, is a notable departure from the artist's typical street art style. Instead, it's a reimagining of Vettriano's immensely popular 1992 painting, "The Singing Butler." This iconic image, depicting a dapper butler singing to a woman in a glamorous setting, captivated the UK public and achieved record-breaking sales figures for a Scottish painting in 2004, fetching £744,500 (approximately €1.6 million adjusted for inflation). Its enduring popularity made it the best-selling print in the country.
The Banksy piece, therefore, carries a double layer of significance. It's not just a Banksy, commanding high prices in its own right, but a commentary on Vettriano's success and its impact on popular culture. Banksy's reinterpretation, adding his signature satirical twist within the context of his "Crude Oil" series, elevates the piece to a fascinating intersection of art historical reference and contemporary social commentary. The high sale price reflects both the enduring appeal of Vettriano's original and the ever-increasing value of Banksy's work.
The sale's timing, so soon after Vettriano's death, underscores the lasting legacy of the Scottish artist. His work continues to resonate, not only in its original form but also through reinterpretations like Banksy's, demonstrating the power of art to inspire and transcend generations. Hoppus's decision to sell the piece at this juncture adds another layer of intrigue, highlighting the cyclical nature of the art market and the unpredictable factors that can influence its value. The £4.3 million sale of "Crude Oil (Vettriano)" solidifies its place as a significant piece of contemporary art, a testament to both Banksy's genius and the enduring influence of Jack Vettriano.