“Toxic Mary,” created by the elusive street artist Banksy in 2004, is one of his most recognizable and controversial works. The piece portrays the Virgin Mary feeding baby Jesus from a bottle marked with a toxic or hazardous symbol. Rendered in Banksy’s signature stencil style, the image combines religious iconography with sharp social commentary.

The artwork challenges viewers to question the purity of institutions, especially those associated with nurturing, authority, and faith. By placing a toxic warning on an object meant to nourish, Banksy critiques the idea that even trusted systems or traditions can carry hidden dangers. Like much of Banksy’s work, “Toxic Mary” uses bold simplicity, dark humor, and provocation to spark conversation about belief, corruption, and blind trust.

Today, the piece is considered a significant example of Banksy’s early 2000s output—uncompromising, visually striking, and culturally disruptive.