Clumsy” Thieves Bomb Dutch Gallery in Bold Heist for Warhol’s ‘Reigning Queens’ Prints

In an audacious 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 set for sale at a major art fair. The attempted theft, which unfolded 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 Caught on Camera

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

Once inside, the thieves rushed to remove the prints, visibly struggling as they tore the artworks from their frames in a chaotic scramble. Warhol’s screen prints 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 prints’ condition. “They tore the prints from their frames,” Visser said, noting the irreparable harm done to Warhol’s iconic images of royalty.

As the security footage revealed, the robbery took an almost comical turn when the thieves attempted to escape with all four prints, only to discover that they couldn’t fit them into their getaway car. “They ran to the car only to find that they wouldn’t fit inside,” Visser explained. 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 fled with only two prints: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Both pieces sustained further damage from being torn from their frames. Police arrived shortly after the thieves left, securing the area but finding no trace of the stolen prints.

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

The prints targeted in this heist are part of Andy Warhol’s revered “Reigning Queens” series, created in 1985. The collection, which portrays Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Beatrix, Queen Margrethe II, and Queen Ntombi Twala, is celebrated for combining Warhol’s distinctive pop-art style with the regal imagery of global monarchs. The series is regarded as 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 signature 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 her portrait, while Queen Margrethe expressed concerns over Warhol’s impact on young minds. Queen Beatrix, who appeared pleased with the portrait, welcomed the depiction, 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 collectibles. While individual prints from the “Reigning Queens” series have circulated on the art market, complete sets are rare due to the high demand and gradual separation of pieces over the years. Mark Peet Visser’s gallery had planned to display the entire series as a complete set at the PAN Amsterdam 2024 art fair, offering collectors an unusual opportunity to purchase the collection in its entirety. Visser had anticipated substantial interest from art investors and collectors, given the rarity and historical significance of the collection.

The 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 series’ rarity 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 inflicted on the stolen prints and those left behind has complicated their valuation. Irreparable tears and rips not only reduce the monetary value of Warhol’s artwork but also diminish their historical and artistic integrity. The violent nature of the theft and the significant damage to the pieces left art conservators and collectors concerned about whether the artworks could ever be restored to their original condition.

A High-Profile Investigation and Public Appeal

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

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

The Art Community Responds

The theft of Warhol’s “Reigning Queens” has shocked the Dutch art community, with many expressing solidarity with the MPV Gallery. “It’s heartbreaking to see such recklessness inflicted on precious artwork,” commented a spokesperson from the PAN Amsterdam fair, where the pieces were set to be displayed. Many art professionals are hopeful 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, while Visser and his gallery staff work to restore the damaged pieces left behind. This heist serves as a cautionary tale about the risks facing high-value art in today’s market and underscores the art world’s responsibility to preserve and protect cultural treasures like Warhol’s “Reigning Queens.”

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