A never-before-seen Banksy painting , titled Girl and Balloon on Found Landscape,is set to auction in New York on May 20 with an estimated price tag of $13–18 million, making it the highest estimate ever placed on a Banksy at auction. The artwork combines two of the artist's most famous signatures: his beloved Girl with Balloon motif and his ultra-rare Crude Oils series, first unveiled in 2005.

The $18 Million Price Tag: A Record for Banksy

The estimated price of $13–18 million is a significant milestone for Banksy, whose works have previously fetched high prices but never with such a lofty estimate. According to the report, this painting is tipped to become his most expensive work ever sold at auction. The glitzy invitation-only sale in New York is expected to draw considerable attention from art collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Banksy's Crude Oils Series: A Vandalized Vision

The Crude Oils series, first unveiled in 2005, is widely considered among Banksy's most desirable creations. In this series, Banksy vandalized traditional paintings with jarring symbols of modern chaos.. Notable works from the series include a Monet-style lily pond filled with shopping carts, a decaying version of Van Gogh's Sunflowers, and a Madonna and Child interrupted by an iPod. Unlike other pieces in the series, Girl and Balloon on Found Landscape places Banksy's iconic Girl with Balloon motif center stage, reducing the original thrift-store landscape beneath it to little more than background scenery.

The Public Debut: Inside Tiffany & Co.'s Fifth Avenue Flagship

Before the auction, the painting will make its public debut inside Tiffany & Co.'s iconic Fifth Avenue flagship store, The Landmark. This high-profile exhibition is expected to generate significant buzz and attract a wide audience,further increasing the anticipation for the upcoming auction . the choice of location underscores the painting's prestige and the high regard in which Banksy's work is held within the art world.

What Makes This Painting Unique?

What sets Girl and Balloon on Found Landscape apart is its unique combination of two of Banksy's most iconic elements. The Girl with Balloon motif is one of the artist's most recognizable and beloved images, while the Crude Oils series is known for its provocative and thought-provoking take on traditional art. The fusion of these two elements in a single work makes this painting a rare and highly sought-after piece.

Who Will Be the Lucky Buyer?

The identity of the potential buyer remains a mystery, but given the painting's high estimate and the prestige associated with Banksy's work, it is likely to attract bids from prominent art collectors and institutions. The auction's invitation-only nature adds an air of exclusivity, further enhancing the painting's allure. As the report notes, the sale could set a new benchmark for Banksy's auction prices, making it a landmark event in the art world.