Andy Warhol Artworks Stolen in Dutch Gallery Break-In

In a brazen overnight theft, several Andy Warhol artworks were taken from the MPV Gallery in North Brabant, with local authorities investigating the scene of damage and chaos.

In a shocking overnight burglary, two renowned artworks by Andy Warhol have been stolen from the MPV Gallery in North Brabant, Netherlands. The break-in occurred as thieves targeted the gallery, making off with two silkscreens from Warhol's famed Reigning Queens series. Initially, four pieces were taken, but the thieves abandoned two others nearby, according to the gallery's owner, who spoke to Dutch news outlet NOS.

The stolen pieces feature depictions of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II of Denmark, who notably stepped down earlier this year. Local police have indicated that an explosion may have occurred during the heist, resulting in significant damage to the gallery and adjacent buildings. Reports suggest that the culprits fled the scene in a vehicle, leaving behind two additional prints that portrayed Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Tfwala of Eswatini, likely due to space constraints in their getaway car.

The stolen artworks had been kept in the gallery in anticipation of the upcoming PAN Amsterdam art fair, where they were planned to be showcased as a collection. The four prints are part of an exclusive series of 16 silkscreens created by Warhol in 1985, just two years prior to his passing, featuring images of the four queens. In a testament to their value, two prints of Queen Elizabeth II sold for over £500,000 each at a Sotheby's auction in 2022, highlighting the significance of the stolen pieces in the art world.