In a shocking incident, two artworks by iconic American artist Andy Warhol were stolen during a break-in at the MPV Gallery in North Brabant, Netherlands. The theft occurred overnight, with the thieves initially making off with four silkscreens from Warhol's renowned Reigning Queens series. However, two of the prints were found abandoned nearby, according to statements from the gallery owner to Dutch outlet NOS.
The stolen pieces include a portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II and one depicting Margrethe II, who recently abdicated as Queen of Denmark. Local authorities are working on the case, noting that there seemed to have been an explosive entry, which resulted in extensive damage not only to the gallery but also to surrounding structures.
It has been reported that the suspects escaped in a vehicle loaded with stolen art. The abandoned prints displayed Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Tfwala of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) were left behind as they did not fit into the getaway car.
These artworks were on display at the gallery in anticipation of the PAN Amsterdam art fair scheduled for later this month, where they were set to be exhibited as a complete collection. The Reigning Queens series, created in 1985, features a total of 16 silk screens and is highly regarded, with some individual pieces fetching over £500,000 at auctions. Andy Warhol's artistic legacy significantly influenced the 20th-century art scene, making the theft of these valuable works even more concerning for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
