Two iconic royal portraits from Andy Warhol\u2019s celebrated Reigning Queens series are set to headline an upcoming auction at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers In Denmark. The works depict Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, interpreted by the undisputed king of Pop Art himself.<\/p>\n
Warhol\u2019s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is based on the official photograph taken by Peter Grugeon at Windsor Castle in 1975, later released in connection with the Queen\u2019s Silver Jubilee in 1977. <\/p>\n
The portrait of Queen Margrethe II draws on the official coronation portrait photographed by royal photographer Rigmor Mydtskov following the Danish monarch\u2019s accession to the throne in 1972.<\/p>\n
Both queens are portrayed wearing royal orders, tiaras and ceremonial jewellery \u2013 transformed through Warhol\u2019s instantly recognizable silkscreen technique and vivid Pop Art palette.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are delighted to present these remarkable portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II \u2013 two world-famous monarchs interpreted by Andy Warhol, the king of Pop Art who became an icon in his own right,\u201d says Kathrine Eriksen, specialist in modern art at Bruun Rasmussen.<\/p>\n
A Celebration of Female Monarchs<\/p>\n
Andy Warhol created the Reigning Queens series in 1985 as a tribute to four reigning female monarchs who inherited their thrones by birthright: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.<\/p>\n
Using existing official photographs as source material, Warhol produced four colour variations of each queen through his signature silkscreen process \u2013 a photographic printmaking technique central to his artistic practice and widely used throughout his oeuvre.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Reigning Queens series encapsulates Warhol\u2019s fascination with global fame, social hierarchy and the immense power of media imagery. Today, Warhol\u2019s works are almost as legendary as the monarchs themselves, each of whom left an enduring mark on history,\u201d says Kathrine Eriksen.<\/p>\n
When the Queens Learned the News<\/p>\n
Before the series went into production, the four monarchs were reportedly informed that Warhol intended to portray them. According to contemporary accounts, the queens\u2019 reactions ranged from neutral curiosity to genuine enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Estimate: DKK 800,000\u20131 million (approx. EUR 107,000\u2013134,000 \/ GBP 92,800-115,900).<\/p>\n
Portrait of Queen Margrethe II. Estimate: DKK 250,000\u2013300,000 (approx. EUR 33,500\u201340,000 \/ GBP 29,000-34,800).<\/p>\n