Andy Warhol's iconic portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II is set to command a substantial sum at an upcoming auction. Created in 1985 as part of Warhol's Reigning Queens series, the silkscreen painting pays tribute to four female monarchs who inherited their thrones by birthright, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Warhol's Reigning Queens Series
The vibrant depiction of the Queen is based on an official photograph taken by Peter Grugeon at Windsor Castle in 1975, later released for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Using his signature silkscreen process, Warhol transformed the portrait into a pop art icon. The piece will headline an auction at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers in Denmark, alongside Warhol's portrait of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, also from the same series. Both monarchs are depicted wearing royal orders, tiaras, and ceremonial jewellery. The series originally included portraits of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland.
Auction Details and Estimates
Andy Warhol's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is estimated at DKK 800,000 to 1 million, equivalent to approximately £92,800 to £115,900. Kathrine Eriksen, specialist in modern art at Bruun Rasmussen, expressed delight at presenting the portraits, noting that the Reigning Queens series captures Warhol's fascination with fame, hierarchy, and media imagery. She added that Warhol's works are now as legendary as the monarchs themselves.
History and Reaction
The portrait was first unveiled in 1985. Reports suggest that Queen Elizabeth II and the other three reigning monarchs were informed of Warhol's intention to create the portraits, with varying accounts of the Queen's reaction, some indicating enthusiasm. The series originally debuted at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City, though Warhol was reportedly disappointed, having preferred it to be shown only in Europe.
The auction has a bidding deadline of June 17, when both portraits will be sold. Warhol, a leading figure in the pop art movement and one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, is best known for his silkscreen paintings.
