The Leopard and Lamb, 2015

Provenance
Acquired directly from Pest Control Office by the present owner

Exhibition History
Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel, March 2017 – March 2019

Auction History
Phillips Hong-Kong: 31 May 2024
Estimated: HKD 18,000,000 – 28,000,000
Price realized: HKD 36,750,000 / USD 4,704,903

Banksy – Modern & Contemporary Art Evenin… Lot 9 May 2024 | Phillips

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.

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 stenciling 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 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.