The MPV Gallery, preparing for an upcoming art fair, fell victim to a theft where four of Warhol's silkscreens were targeted, leading to extensive damage and a police investigation.
High-Profile Heist: Warhol Artworks Stolen in Dutch Gallery Break-In
High-Profile Heist: Warhol Artworks Stolen in Dutch Gallery Break-In
Two iconic Andy Warhol paintings featuring queens were stolen during a dramatic gallery robbery in the Netherlands.
In a shocking incident highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-value art, two silkscreen prints by legendary American artist Andy Warhol were stolen overnight from the MPV Gallery in North Brabant, Netherlands. The artworks, which include depictions of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Denmark's former Queen Margrethe II, were targeted during a significant burglary that left the gallery in disarray.
According to the gallery owner, the thieves initially took four artworks from Warhol's esteemed Reigning Queens series but discarded two nearby, likely due to space limitations in their getaway vehicle. Local authorities reported that an explosion may have facilitated the break-in, resulting in considerable damage not only to the gallery but also to some surrounding buildings.
The stolen pieces were meant to be showcased at the PAN Amsterdam art fair later this month, where they were expected to attract considerable attention and possible buyers. Warhol's Reigning Queens series, created in 1985 shortly before his passing, consists of 16 works and has historically garnered high auction prices, with some pieces fetching over £500,000 at Sotheby's in 2022. The police have initiated an investigation into the incident as the art world reels from the implications of such a high-profile theft.
