Dutch gallery bombed in Warhol Print Heist

‘Clumsy’ Thieves Bomb Dutch Gallery in Daring 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 to go on sale at a major art fair. The attempted theft, which took place in the early hours of the morning of November 1, was as destructive as it was poorly executed. The thieves managed to escape with two of the four valuable prints, but damaged all four pieces and left the gallery in ruins.

The Heist: A chaotic scene caught on camera

According to gallery owner Mark Peet Visser, the theft was both violent and clumsy. Security footage captured the intruders bombarding the entrance to the gallery to gain access, smashing windows, destroying walls and creating a path of debris through the exhibition space. Visser described the gallery as “completely destroyed” in the blast, with broken glass and debris covering the floor where Warhol’s artwork had been displayed.

Once inside, the thieves scrambled to remove the fingerprints, visibly struggling as they ripped the artwork from the frames in a chaotic struggle. Warhol’s serigraphs are delicate, and Visser explained that removing them from their frames without causing damage is virtually impossible. The reckless approach resulted in irreversible damage to the pieces, leaving Visser and art conservators deeply concerned about the condition of the prints. “They ripped the prints out of the frames,” Visser said, noting the irreparable damage done to Warhol’s iconic images of royalty.

As security footage revealed, the heist took an almost comical turn when the thieves tried to make off with all four fingerprints, only to find they couldn’t fit them in their getaway car. “They ran to the car only to find they couldn’t fit in,” explained Visser. With no other options, the panicked robbers abandoned 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 escaped with only two fingerprints: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Both pieces sustained more damage from being ripped from the frames. The police arrived shortly after the thieves left, secured the area, but found no trace of the stolen fingerprints.

Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ Series: A Unique and Coveted Collection

The prints targeted in this theft are part of Andy Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ series, created in 1985. The collection, which features Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Beatrix, Queen Margrethe II and Queen Ntombi Twala, is celebrated for combining Warhol’s distinctive pop. -art style with royal images of global monarchs. The series is considered one of Warhol’s largest silkscreen 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 own vibrant colors, bold 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 Warhol’s lens. Each queen had her own reaction to the project. According to Mulder, Queen Elizabeth appreciated his portrait, while Queen Margrethe expressed concern about Warhol’s impact on young minds. Queen Beatrix, who appeared pleased with the portrait, welcomed the representation, while Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland had no previous 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. While individual prints from the “Reigning Queens” series have circulated 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 had planned to exhibit the entire series as a complete set at the PAN Amsterdam 2024 art fair, offering collectors an unusual opportunity to acquire the collection in its entirety. Visser had anticipated substantial interest from investors and art collectors, given the collection’s rarity and historical significance.

Art market impact and financial value

Although Visser chose not to disclose 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 like PAN Amsterdam. Given the rarity of the series and Warhol’s enduring popularity, a complete set could attract bids in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, depending on its condition and provenance.

As Visser noted, the damage to stolen prints and those left behind complicated their assessment. Irreparable tears and tears not only reduce the monetary value of Warhol’s artwork, but also their historical and artistic integrity. The violent nature of the theft and the significant damage to the pieces has left conservators and art collectors concerned whether the artworks could ever be restored to their original state.

A high-profile inquiry and public appeal

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

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

The artistic community responds

The theft of Warhol’s “Reigning Queens” shocked the Dutch art community, with many expressing solidarity with the MPV Gallery. “It is heartbreaking to see such neglect of precious works of art,” commented a spokesman for the PAN Amsterdam fair, where the pieces were to be exhibited. Many art professionals hope to recover the prints, although the condition of the artwork 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 theft serves as a cautionary tale about the risks high-value art faces in today’s market and underscores the art world’s responsibility to preserve and protect cultural treasures like Warhol’s “Princely Queens.”

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