A Banksy reimagining of the famous work by the late Scottish painter Jack Vettriano has been the center of attention after selling for £4.3 million ($5.4 million) at auction. The painting, titled Crude Oil (Vettriano), was sold by Blink-182 bassist Mark Hoppus and acquired by a private collector at Sotheby's on Tuesday evening, March 4, 2025. This remarkable sale occurred just days after Vettriano was found dead at the age of 73 at his apartment in France.
The Crude Oil (Vettriano) piece features Vettriano's best-known work, The Singing Butler, which depicts an elegant couple dancing on a storm-swept beach, accompanied by their butler and maid. Notably, Banksy added his signature touch by incorporating two figures dressed in yellow hazmat suits who appear to be disposing of an oil drum, starkly contrasting with the romantic scene. The painting also includes a ship on the horizon, adding layers of narrative to its visual expression.
Initially projected to fetch between £3 million and £5 million, the final sale price reflects the increasing value of Banksy’s works, especially ones reinterpreting influential traditional art. The entirely hand-painted work, created using both oil and spray paints, was exhibited for the first time in 2005. Interestingly, it was placed inside a disused shop window in Notting Hill, capturing the public's attention right from the start.
Mark Hoppus, who acquired the painting back in 2011 after visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, expressed his emotional connection to the piece. "We loved this painting since the moment we saw it. Unmistakably Banksy, but different. We bought it because we loved it. It's borne witness to our family over these past dozen years," he remarked. Adding to the sentimental value, Hoppus claimed the painting had witnessed laughter, tears, and all the moments of family life. "This painting has meant so much to us and been such an amazing part of our lives, and now I'm excited for it to be out there in the world, seen by as many as possible," he stated.
The timing of the auction is particularly poignant, occurring only days after the passing of Vettriano on March 1, 2025. His publicist confirmed his death on March 3, stating there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding it. Vettriano, born Jack Hoggan on November 17, 1951, became renowned as one of Scotland's most beloved artists. He was self-taught, initially inspired by watercolors received on his 21st birthday, and his breakout moment came when he submitted two paintings to the Royal Scottish Academy’s annual show, both of which sold on the first day.
Throughout his career, Vettriano's unique style attracted accolades, leading to exhibitions around the world, including London, New York, and Johannesburg. His paintings often juxtaposed romance with elements of drama and loss, creating narratives filled with intrigue. The impact of his passing, combined with the high-profile sale of Banksy's reinterpretation, allowed both artists to be celebrated simultaneously, underscoring the legacy of Vettriano's work.
A portion of the funds raised from the auction will be donated to charities, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Cedars-Sinai Hematology Oncology Research. Hoppus and his wife plan to contribute additional proceeds to the California Fire Foundation, demonstrating their commitment to supporting important causes following the devastating wildfires experienced earlier this year.
While the art world reflects on Vettriano's contributions as they mourn his loss, the auction of Crude Oil (Vettriano) serves as motivation for upcoming artists and collectors alike. It reiterates the enduring value of art and its ability to spark conversations about contemporary issues, much like Banksy's works do.