Staff at MPV Gallery in North Brabant are reeling after a nighttime break-in resulted in the theft of notable silkscreens from Warhol's iconic Reigning Queens series, sparking an investigation into the incident.
Warhol Art Heist: Stolen Silkscreens Highlight Gallery Vulnerabilities
Warhol Art Heist: Stolen Silkscreens Highlight Gallery Vulnerabilities
Two significant artwork pieces by Andy Warhol have been stolen in a brazen Dutch gallery burglary.
The MPV Gallery in North Brabant was the scene of a high-profile theft last night, with thieves making off with two valuable artworks from Andy Warhol’s famed Reigning Queens series. Initially, the intruders removed four silkscreens from the gallery, but law enforcement reports indicate that two works were discarded nearby due to space constraints in their getaway vehicle.
According to the gallery owner speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS, the stolen pieces include striking portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II, Denmark's recently abdicated monarch. Investigators have noted that the break-in may have involved an explosive device, leading to significant damage within the gallery and affecting surrounding areas.
Local authorities have confirmed that the thieves made their escape in a car, raising questions about the security measures in place at the gallery, particularly as these works were scheduled for auction at the upcoming PAN Amsterdam art fair. The artworks in question are part of a limited series of 16 silk screens Warhol created in 1985, with two pieces featuring Queen Elizabeth II fetching over £500,000 each at Sotheby's in 2022.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the risks that art galleries face while housing valuable contemporary works, prompting discussions about enhancing security protocols in the art world.
According to the gallery owner speaking to Dutch broadcaster NOS, the stolen pieces include striking portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II, Denmark's recently abdicated monarch. Investigators have noted that the break-in may have involved an explosive device, leading to significant damage within the gallery and affecting surrounding areas.
Local authorities have confirmed that the thieves made their escape in a car, raising questions about the security measures in place at the gallery, particularly as these works were scheduled for auction at the upcoming PAN Amsterdam art fair. The artworks in question are part of a limited series of 16 silk screens Warhol created in 1985, with two pieces featuring Queen Elizabeth II fetching over £500,000 each at Sotheby's in 2022.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the risks that art galleries face while housing valuable contemporary works, prompting discussions about enhancing security protocols in the art world.
