Queen Victoria (Signed)

Queen Victoria (Signed) is a bold and provocative early screenprint by Banksy, released in 2003. The artwork reimagines the British monarch — Queen Victoria — in an uncharacteristically risqué pose, dressed in suspenders and stockings, seated in a sexually suggestive manner. The piece challenges authority, tradition, and societal norms by subverting the image of one of the most iconic and conservative figures in British history. This print is based on a stencil that Banksy first sprayed on walls in London, capturing his signature mix of political satire and visual shock. With its stark black-and-white palette and confrontational subject matter, Queen Victoria critiques the establishment, Victorian-era repression, and the romanticised view of the monarchy. The work also contains subtle references to LGBTQ+ themes — Banksy once said it was inspired by the idea that Queen Victoria, known for criminalising male homosexuality, is portrayed here as a lesbian. The irony is sharp, making it one of his most daring commentaries on power, sexuality, and hypocrisy.