The Rat Motif: has been Blek le Rat's signature since the early 1980s. He describes the rat as "the only free animal in the city" and an anagram for "ART".

French Identity:Officially titled "Baguette Rat" or "Rat No. 5," this iconic work is a definitive example of the street art style pioneered by Xavier Prou, better known as Blek le Rat. Recognised globally as the "Father of Stencil Graffiti," Blek le Rat began his career in 1981 by painting small black rats across Paris, a motif that famously directly influenced later artists like Banksy. This specific variation features the rat carrying a baguette, a witty and self-referential nod to the artist's French heritage and the streets of Paris where his movement was born.

Street Art Evolution: Blek chose stenciling as a way to bring art out of the museums and into the public space. His work transformed stencils from simple lettering into a sophisticated form of pictorial art.

Collector's Note

Blek le Rat is an essential figure in street art history, with works held in permanent collections globally. Banksy once famously stated, "Every time I think I've painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek Le Rat has done it as well. Only twenty years earlier". Owning a Rat No. 5 print is a foundational acquisition for any serious urban art collection.