Monkey Queen - Banksy

Banksy's "Monkey Queen" is a scathing and satirical critique of the British monarchy, depicting Queen Elizabeth II as a monkey, combining the symbolism of power with an animal figure that suggests the futility of royal status. First painted in Newent, England, the work mixes Banksy's characteristic black humor and provocation, belonging to the urban art movement, where political and social criticism are common. The composition, with the monkey dressed as the queen, wearing a crown and presenting regal attributes, simultaneously questions the value of a hereditary institution in modernity. The use of simple colors and the background with the colors of the British flag reinforce the satire toward national identity and the symbolism of the monarchy.

Banksy employs his stenciling technique, allowing him to work quickly and anonymously in public spaces, a characteristic that has defined his career. The work plays with the perception of power, ridiculing what is revered by many, while his use of animals instead of human figures conveys an implicit critique of human behavior. This piece also reflects the struggle of urban art against the institutional structures of traditional art, using city walls as canvases accessible to all.

In its satirical style, this work invites reflection on the role of the monarchy in contemporary society, challenging established hierarchies and suggesting that power is ultimately a construct that can be dismantled by the simple force of art.