A graffiti artwork that appeared near military barracks in Windsor and sparked widespread speculation about whether it was an authentic Banksy piece has been confirmed as a copycat work. The street art, which depicts a British soldier in traditional grey tunic and bearskin cap holding a spray paint can, appeared on Arthur Road just around the corner from Army barracks in Windsor earlier this week.
The artwork features a soldier standing next to the message "God Save the King," with the word "dom" spray-painted at the end of "King." The piece quickly went viral on social media, with many wondering if it was created by the world-famous yet anonymous street artist Banksy. The soldier depicted is wearing the iconic uniform synonymous with the troops who guard the Royal Family, adding to the piece's provocative nature.
The timing of the artwork's appearance coincided with reports about Prince Andrew, with new emails involving Jeffrey Epstein allegedly showing Andrew Mountbatten Windsor telling Ghislaine Maxwell "I can't take any more of this" after questions emerged about his alleged involvement in a sex party with then-17-year-old Virginia Giuffre.
Art experts who analyzed the piece found both similarities and key differences compared to authentic Banksy works. Madeleine White, who works in sales and acquisitions at Hang-Up Gallery near Islington in north London, noted that the work resembles the satire and political messaging often found in Banksy's art. She explained that "Banksy provides comment on authority and power structures, whether it be the Government or Royal Family, through his art."
White suggested the piece could be interpreted as criticism of the King in relation to Prince Andrew. She noted that Banksy often represents the working class and everyday people, so the soldier using graffiti could symbolize resistance and more affordable means to create art. The expert also pointed out that the artist's use of lyrics from the national anthem is symbolic of criticism toward the monarchy, potentially mocking the lyrics that ask for the King to be saved.
The location of the artwork may also be significant, as it appeared opposite King Edward Court in Windsor. White interpreted the choice to depict a soldier as an image of "resistance, rebellion, rising up against the royals," which she said is consistent with Banksy's career-long pattern of challenging authority. However, she cautioned that while the piece is "Banksy-esque," there are many copycats creating similar work.
Acoris Andipa, director of Andipa art gallery near Knightsbridge in central London, expressed skepticism about the piece's authenticity. "It's intriguing but I'm not entirely convinced," he said. "There are elements that are his and not his." Andipa specifically noted that the font used is not Banksy's usual style, particularly the way "dom" is written, which differs from the artist's typical lettering.
Andipa identified several key differences between this piece and authentic Banksy works, noting that it lacks the usual characteristics of the famous street artist's art. He told reporters that the piece has "no clear message" and that he struggled to see the wit that is characteristic of Banksy's work. The expert also noted confusion about the meaning of "dom" in the context of the piece, questioning whether it refers to "dominance, domiciles," or something else entirely.
The mysterious artwork has joined a growing number of Banksy-inspired pieces that have appeared around the world, as copycat artists attempt to recreate the anonymous artist's distinctive style and provocative messaging. While this particular piece may not be authentic, it has successfully generated the kind of public discussion and debate that genuine Banksy works are known for, particularly regarding authority, monarchy, and social commentary through street art.
