Two engravings by Andy Warhol were stolen from a Dutch gallery this Friday. The perpetrators of the theft had targeted a complete edition of the 1985 “Reigning Queens” series, which included silk-screened portraits of four female monarchs‘Artnet’ reports it. The four works (including the two stolen) were damaged as they were torn from their frames because they are too big to carry in the car.
The thieves were caught on security cameras explosives open the doors of the monovolume gallery in the town of Oisterwijk around 3:05am on Friday, November 1st. According to a local report, many residents of the city reported hearing a loud bang and the door handle of the tunnel was thrown 50 meters away.
According to the local police, the intruders, after entering the place, took away “several works of art”. They fled in a car which was later recovered. The gallery owner, Mark Peet Visserdescribed the theft of «amateur» and stressed that the explosives used to enter were “so violent that the entire building was destroyed” and also damaged some nearby shops. The police confirmed it.
Visser said that even the two successfully stolen works are undoubtedly “damaged beyond repair, because it is impossible to remove them intact» for the way these works were cropped from the frames, according to ‘The Guardian’. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the robbery, including forensic evidence at the crime scene and an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
The thieves took silkscreens of Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Margaret II of Denmark. They failed to steal those of Beatriz from Holland and Ntombi Tfwala, from Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. An edition of this series is exhibited in Het Loo de Apeldoorn Palace and Países Bajos. A place that served for centuries as a pleasure, hunting and resting palace for the House of Orange, the Dutch royal dynasty, and which has recently been transformed into a museum. It is one of the last series that the American created before his death in 1987. Two years earlier he had conceived and produced ‘Reigning Queens’, a series of sixteen original engravings in which he portrayed the four queens who reigned in the world in that period . .
In a statement posted on Instagram, the gallery described the print series as “a twelfth edition of 40 copiesa rare and singular ensemble that has now been lost. Visser did not reveal the value of the works, but apparently intended to sell them at the PAN art fair in Amsterdam. According to the Artnet price database, a similar print of Queen Elizabeth II from the same Warhol series sold for a record sum of around $856,000 at the Heffel Fine auction house in 2022.
“This robbery was clearly commissioned by someone “I wanted to see them tonight with a good glass of wine at home,” Visser told Dutch newspaper ‘HLN’, adding that the copies were numbered and could not be sold on the open market. “What else can they do now? Light the fireplace or something, I have no idea what they’ll do with it.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Art Theft Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most intriguing stories shaping our world. Today, we have a special guest with us, Dr. Anna Caldwell, an expert in art theft and preservation. Dr. Caldwell, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Caldwell: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this alarming theft.
Editor: Just this past Friday, two engravings by Andy Warhol—part of the “Reigning Queens” series—were stolen from a gallery in Oisterwijk, Netherlands. Can you share your thoughts on how significant this particular series is in the art world?
Dr. Caldwell: Absolutely. Warhol’s “Reigning Queens” series is iconic, not only because of the artist’s prominence but also due to its commentary on monarchy and celebrity culture. The silk-screened portraits of female monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth II, combine artistic mastery with social critique, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
Editor: The theft itself involved a dramatic entry—explosives were used to open the gallery doors! What does this say about the nature of art theft today?
Dr. Caldwell: It’s quite shocking, actually. Utilizing explosives shows a level of desperation and planning that suggests these thieves were determined to claim high-value pieces at any cost. Unfortunately, it highlights a growing trend where criminals are willing to use extreme measures to access artwork, often resulting in not just theft but significant property damage.
Editor: The gallery owner, Mark Peet Visser, described the theft as “amateur,” noting that the works were damaged beyond repair. What does this imply about the thieves’ methods?
Dr. Caldwell: That statement raises interesting points. While they exhibited some organization in their planning, the execution was careless. Art theft requires not just a plan but also finesse, especially when dealing with delicate artwork. The fact that they left the pieces so severely damaged suggests a lack of respect for the art or an unfamiliarity with how to handle such valuable items properly.
Editor: The police are currently investigating and have appealed for witnesses. In your experience, how crucial is public engagement in solving art theft cases?
Dr. Caldwell: Public engagement is vital. Many successful recoveries of stolen art come from tips provided by the community. Raising awareness can help spot the stolen works in circulation, as these pieces often remain in the black market or end up being sold privately. Also, community vigilance can deter future thefts.
Editor: It’s both fascinating and troubling to consider the lengths that criminals will go to in order to steal art. As we wrap up, what steps can galleries and collectors take to better protect their artwork?
Dr. Caldwell: Galleries should invest in comprehensive security systems, including surveillance, alarm systems, and proper training for staff on how to handle security threats. Additionally, creating partnerships with local law enforcement and employing art security professionals can enhance prevention measures. For collectors, cataloging their collections and having them insured are vital steps to safeguard against loss.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Caldwell, for sharing your insights. The theft of Warhol’s work opens up a broader conversation about art security and preservation. We hope this incident prompts necessary changes in the art world.
Dr. Caldwell: Thank you for the discussion. It’s essential to keep these conversations flowing to ensure art remains safe and accessible for everyone.
Editor: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in to Time.news. Until next time, stay informed and stay curious!