The municipality of Maashorst potentially lost a treasure from the 1985 "Reigning Queens" series by Warhol, alongside other artworks.
Dutch Municipality Loses Valuable Warhol Print in Renovation Debacle
Dutch Municipality Loses Valuable Warhol Print in Renovation Debacle
A rare portrait of former Queen Beatrix by Andy Warhol may have been accidentally discarded during town hall renovations.
In a recent mix-up that has left art enthusiasts in shock, the Dutch municipality of Maashorst seems to have mistakenly discarded a coveted silk-screen print of former Queen Beatrix created by Andy Warhol. This incident, which reportedly involved the disposal of almost 50 other pieces of art, came to light following an independent investigation initiated by the municipality itself.
Town officials disclosed that the valuable artworks went missing amid renovations of the town hall. However, the investigation yielded inconclusive results, leaving officials doubtful about the recovery of the lost pieces. "It’s not likely that the missing artworks will ever be found," the municipality's mayor and council members expressed in a recent communication.
The Warhol print that has residents abuzz was part of the acclaimed artist's 1985 "Reigning Queens" series, which portrays not only Beatrix, who served as queen from 1980 to her abdication in 2013, but also includes depictions of prominent monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). The potential loss is not just a local calamity; it represents a significant cultural and financial blow as the Warhol print could garner tens of thousands of dollars on the art market.
Town officials disclosed that the valuable artworks went missing amid renovations of the town hall. However, the investigation yielded inconclusive results, leaving officials doubtful about the recovery of the lost pieces. "It’s not likely that the missing artworks will ever be found," the municipality's mayor and council members expressed in a recent communication.
The Warhol print that has residents abuzz was part of the acclaimed artist's 1985 "Reigning Queens" series, which portrays not only Beatrix, who served as queen from 1980 to her abdication in 2013, but also includes depictions of prominent monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). The potential loss is not just a local calamity; it represents a significant cultural and financial blow as the Warhol print could garner tens of thousands of dollars on the art market.
