A striking portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II, created by the iconic Pop Art legend Andy Warhol, is poised to command a significant sum at auction. Two pieces from Warhol’s celebrated ‘Reigning Queens’ series are set to go under the hammer at the Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers later this month, with the royal portraits expected to fetch up to £115,900.
The collection features depictions of two formidable female monarchs: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The portrait of the former British monarch is based on the official photograph taken by Peter Grugeon at Windsor Castle in 1975. This photograph was later released to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, a period of national celebration. The estimated sale price for this particular artwork is anticipated to fall between £92,800 and £115,900, reflecting its historical significance and artistic merit.
A Royal Pairing in Pop Art
The portrait of Queen Margrethe II draws its inspiration from the official coronation portrait, a formal image captured by royal photographer Rigmor Mydtskov. This image followed the Danish monarch’s accession to the throne in 1972. This piece is projected to achieve a sale price in the range of £29,000 to £34,800.
Both queens are meticulously portrayed adorned in the regalia befitting their stations. They are depicted wearing significant royal orders, glittering tiaras, and elaborate ceremonial jewellery. These artworks showcase Warhol’s signature silkscreen printing technique, a method that involves photographic prints, and his characteristic vibrant Pop Art palette, which imbues the portraits with a dynamic and arresting quality.
Warhol’s Fascination with Royalty and Fame
Kathrine Eriksen, Bruun Rasmussen’s specialist in modern art, expressed her delight at presenting these significant works. “We are delighted to present these remarkable portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II – two world-famous monarchs interpreted by Andy Warhol, the king of Pop Art who became an icon in his own right,” she stated.
Warhol embarked on creating the ‘Reigning Queens’ series in 1985. This ambitious project served as a tribute to four reigning female monarchs who had inherited their thrones through birthright. These included Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe II, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland.
Eriksen further elaborated on the series’ thematic depth: “The Reigning Queens series encapsulates Warhol’s fascination with global fame, social hierarchy and the immense power of media imagery.” She added, “Today, Warhol’s works are almost as legendary as the monarchs themselves, each of whom left an enduring mark on history.”
The ‘Reigning Queens’ Series: Editions and Legacy
Warhol’s series of portraits of these distinguished queens was issued in two distinct editions. The standard edition comprised 40 prints, while a more exclusive ‘Royal Edition’ consisted of 30 works. These ‘Royal Edition’ pieces were distinguished by an added embellishment of “diamond dust” – finely crushed glass that was applied to make the artworks sparkle brilliantly when exposed to light.
The enduring significance of these portraits is further underscored by their acquisition by the Royal Collection. In 2012, four prints of Queen Elizabeth II from the ‘Royal Edition’ were purchased to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a testament to the artwork’s alignment with royal heritage.
The live auction at Bruun Rasmussen, featuring these exceptional Warhol portraits, is scheduled to commence on June 17. Art collectors and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to acquire a piece of both art history and royal legacy, as these works by the undisputed king of Pop Art go on display and then under the hammer. The combination of Warhol’s revolutionary artistic vision and the timeless allure of these reigning monarchs makes this auction a highly anticipated event in the art world. The series not only captures the likeness of these influential women but also delves into the broader societal constructs of power, influence, and the enduring impact of imagery in shaping public perception.
