In a striking incident overnight, two artworks by iconic American artist Andy Warhol were stolen during a brazen break-in at the MPV Gallery in North Brabant, Netherlands. Initially, four silkscreens from Warhol's notable Reigning Queens series were taken, featuring Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II, the recently abdicated Queen of Denmark. The suspects abandoned two additional prints, depicting Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Tfwala of Eswatini, likely due to space constraints in their getaway vehicle.
Art Heist in the Netherlands: Warhol's Iconic Works Stolen During Gallery Break-in
Art Heist in the Netherlands: Warhol's Iconic Works Stolen During Gallery Break-in
Dutch gallery suffers significant loss as Andy Warhol's silkscreens of renowned queens are stolen under mysterious circumstances.
Local authorities are probing the case and reported evidence of an explosion, which caused considerable damage not only to the gallery but to the surrounding structures. The stolen artworks were intended for display and sale at the upcoming PAN Amsterdam art fair later this month. Warhol's Reigning Queens series, created in 1985, consists of 16 silkscreens showcasing the four queens, and has proven to be highly valuable, with two pieces from the same series fetching over £500,000 each at a recent Sotheby’s auction.
As the investigation unfolds, fingers are crossed for the safe return of these exceptional pieces that encapsulate a blend of contemporary art and royal portraiture, reflecting Warhol's lasting influence on the art world.
As the investigation unfolds, fingers are crossed for the safe return of these exceptional pieces that encapsulate a blend of contemporary art and royal portraiture, reflecting Warhol's lasting influence on the art world.
