Dutch gallery bombed in Warhol Print Heist

Clumsy’ Thieves bomb Dutch gallery in Bold Heist for Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ prints

In a daring and chaotic art heist, thieves bombed the MPV Gallery in the Netherlands, targeting Andy Warhol’s famous ‘Reigning Queens’ prints, just two weeks before they were put up for sale at a major art fair. The attempted theft, which occurred in the early morning hours of November 1, was as destructive as it was poorly executed. Thieves managed to escape with two of the four valuable prints, but damaged all four pieces and left the gallery itself in ruins.

The Heist: A chaotic scene captured on camera

According to gallery owner Mark Peet Visser, the robbery was both violent and clumsy. Security footage showed intruders bombing the gallery entrance to gain entry, shattering windows, destroying walls and creating a path of rubble through the exhibition space. Visser described the gallery as “completely destroyed” after the explosion, with broken glass and debris covering the floor where Warhol’s artwork was on display.

Once inside, the thieves rushed to remove the prints, visibly struggling as they ripped the artworks from their frames in a chaotic struggle. Warhol’s screen prints are delicate, and Visser explained that it is virtually impossible to remove them from the frame without damage. The reckless approach resulted in irreparable damage to the pieces, making Visser and art conservators very concerned about the condition of the prints. “They tore the prints from their frames,” Visser said, pointing out the irreparable damage done to Warhol’s iconic royal images.

As the security footage showed, the heist took an almost comical turn when the thieves tried to escape with all four prints, only to find they couldn’t fit them in their getaway car. “They ran to the car and discovered they didn’t fit in it,” Visser explains. With no other options, the panicked robbers left two of the four prints – portraits of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland – on the street outside the gallery.

In the end, the thieves fled with only two prints: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Both pieces suffered further damage as they were torn from their frames. Police arrived shortly after the thieves left and secured the area, but found no trace of the stolen prints.

Warhol’s series “Reigning Queens”: a unique and coveted collection

The prints covered in this heist are part of Andy Warhol’s revered ‘Reigning Queens’ series, created in 1985. The collection, which features images of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Beatrix, Queen Margrethe II and Queen Ntombi Twala, is celebrated for its combining Warhol’s signature pop style. art style featuring the royal images of global monarchs. The series is considered one of Warhol’s largest screenprint portfolios and an exceptional example of his artistic commentary on power and celebrity.

In creating the collection, Warhol based each queen’s portrait on existing photographs, adding his signature vibrant colors, striking shapes and unique graphic overlays. The prints were originally commissioned in 1983 by Amsterdam gallery owner George Mulder, who hoped to capture the essence of each queen through the lens of Warhol. Each queen had her own reaction to the project. According to Mulder, Queen Elizabeth appreciated her portrait, while Queen Margrethe expressed concern about Warhol’s impact on young minds. Queen Beatrix, who seemed pleased with the portrait, welcomed the image, while Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland reportedly had no prior knowledge of Warhol and was surprised by her inclusion in the series.

Each portrait in the series was signed and numbered by Warhol himself, making them rare collector’s items. Although individual prints from the ‘Reigning Queens’ series circulate on the art market, complete sets are rare due to high demand and the gradual separation of the pieces over the years. Mark Peet Visser’s gallery planned to show the entire series as a complete set at the PAN Amsterdam 2024 art fair, which would offer collectors a special opportunity to purchase the collection in its entirety. Visser had expected great interest from art investors and collectors, given the rarity and historical significance of the collection.

The impact on the art market and the financial value

Although Visser chose not to reveal the financial value of the collection, experts estimate that complete sets of Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ series could fetch significant prices, especially at a major fair such as PAN Amsterdam. Given the rarity of the series and Warhol’s enduring popularity, a complete set could fetch bids in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, depending on its condition and provenance.

As Visser noted, the damage to the stolen prints and the prints left behind has made their valuation difficult. Irreparable cracks and tears not only reduce the monetary value of Warhol’s works of art, but also reduce their historical and artistic integrity. The violent nature of the theft and the significant damage to the pieces left art curators and collectors concerned about whether the works of art could ever be restored to their original state.

A controversial investigation and public appeal

Dutch authorities have launched a high-priority investigation into the heist and are appealing to the public for information about the stolen prints. Given the damage to the prints and the gallery’s detailed security footage, police are optimistic they can track down the suspects. Authorities have also contacted international art markets and galleries to warn about the stolen items and prevent the damaged Warhols from entering the art market.

The brazen heist, along with the thieves’ chaotic escape and extensive damage to the artworks, has sparked conversations within the art community about the security risks high-profile galleries face. Despite advances in gallery security, the increasing value of contemporary art and the high demand for Warhol’s work make such pieces attractive targets for thieves, who are willing to risk property and art damage for profit.

The art community is responding

The theft of Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ has shocked the Dutch art community, with many expressing solidarity with the MPV Gallery. “It is heartbreaking to see how recklessness is applied to precious works of art,” said a spokesperson for the PAN Amsterdam fair, where the pieces were to be exhibited. Many art professionals have high hopes for the recovery of the prints, although the condition of the artworks raises serious concerns about restoration options.

As the investigation continues, art collectors, dealers and enthusiasts eagerly await any updates as Visser and his gallery staff work to restore the damaged pieces left behind. This heist serves as a cautionary tale about the risks high art faces in today’s marketplace and underscores the art world’s responsibility to preserve and protect cultural treasures like Warhol’s “Reigning Queens.”

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