Street art monkey prints, gorillas and pop-art apes
Monkeys, chimps and gorillas are popular in urban art because they mirror us. Artists use them to comment on politics, work and human behavior, or simply to create a funny, expressive character. Banksy has used monkeys and chimpanzees in several well-known images, which has made the motif especially popular with collectors and decorators alike. A street art monkey can be anything from a cheeky stencil to a large, colorful gorilla portrait. The items above are listed by independent eBay sellers and are not checked by us.
What you find on eBay
- Banksy monkey: prints, posters, canvases and stickers showing Banksy monkey images. The large majority are reproductions or homages, not works by the artist.
- Gorilla art: pop-art and graffiti-style gorilla portraits on canvas, often with sunglasses, headphones or paint drips.
- Pop art monkey: bright, graphic prints and figures with a playful attitude.
- Monkey canvas: hand-painted and printed canvas works in many sizes.
What drives value
The main question is authorship. A hand-painted original by a recognized artist is rare by nature, while decorative prints can be produced in any number. For prints, check the edition information, a hand signature in pencil and the printing method. Screenprints by known artists are generally more sought after than digital reproductions. Condition matters too: fading, creases or damage to the canvas lower the appeal of any street art monkey.
With famous images, be especially careful. Works by Banksy are generally only accepted by the market with documentation from Pest Control, his authentication body. A certificate from an unknown source is not the same.
Checking authenticity and condition
- Compare the title with the description. "After Banksy" or "Banksy style" means it is not by Banksy.
- Ask the seller for photos of the back, the signature, any numbering and stamps.
- Check canvases for cracks, dents and loose stretching; check paper for stains and tears.
- Ask about provenance: where and when the seller acquired the piece.
How to display it
Gorilla and monkey portraits are strong focal pieces, so give them some space on the wall. Use UV-filtering glass for prints and avoid hanging them opposite a sunny window.
If you own a monkey or ape artwork and wonder what it might be worth, upload photos for a free estimate on StreetArtValue.com. It is a fast way to get a first orientation.