Banksy, the name given to the anonymous British street artist and activist, is known for his darkly satiric imagery. Aimed as a form of cultural criticism, the artist often targets established social and political agendas with his witty illustrations produced with stencils and spray paint. By employing wit and irony, he captures the viewer's attention and probes them to consider the deeper meaning of his work.

The present work, Rude Copper, is one of the artist's earliest prints depicting an English policeman dressed in a traditional "bobby" uniform brandishing the middle finger. From the title, little analysis is needed to determine Banksy's view on the police or authority, however, the artist includes unique orange hand spray painting in the foreground reading "Filth" in order to make his point clear. Banksy has always challenged the police with his brilliant use of Street Art which is seen as a form of vandalism or graffiti to most police officers. Here, the work presents both viewpoints: that of the authority, largely seen as the enemy of Street Art and of the artist himself, who is regarded as the movement's most popular figure.

As noted in the Certificate of Authenticity, this work is from a series and unsigned and was also exhibited at Triple 5 Soul, New York. This 2003 show in a street wear retail shop and gallery space on Lafayette marked Banksy's first exhibit in NY. Banksy was given free reign of the space and created mostly stencils that were applied directly onto the wall. The discreet event by the soon to be golden child of the street art world, was only attended by a few hundred people and was up for 3 months.

There is a numbered edition of 250 that also has spray paint in the background behind the subject, much like the present work. This work also features unique spray painting along the lower edge and within the subject. The intricate overspray and dripping bleeds off the sheet edge.

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