Press release —
Andy Warhol’s Royal Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to Go Under the Hammer
Two iconic royal portraits from Andy Warhol’s celebrated Reigning Queens series are set to headline an upcoming auction at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers In Denmark. The works depict Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, interpreted by the undisputed king of Pop Art himself.
Warhol’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is based on the official photograph taken by Peter Grugeon at Windsor Castle in 1975, later released in connection with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The portrait of Queen Margrethe II draws on the official coronation portrait photographed by royal photographer Rigmor Mydtskov following the Danish monarch’s accession to the throne in 1972.
Both queens are portrayed wearing royal orders, tiaras and ceremonial jewellery – transformed through Warhol’s instantly recognizable silkscreen technique and vivid Pop Art palette.
“We are delighted to present these remarkable portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II – two world-famous monarchs interpreted by Andy Warhol, the king of Pop Art who became an icon in his own right,” says Kathrine Eriksen, specialist in modern art at Bruun Rasmussen.
A Celebration of Female Monarchs
Andy Warhol created the Reigning Queens series in 1985 as a tribute to four reigning female monarchs who inherited their thrones by birthright: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Using existing official photographs as source material, Warhol produced four colour variations of each queen through his signature silkscreen process – a photographic printmaking technique central to his artistic practice and widely used throughout his oeuvre.
“The Reigning Queens series encapsulates Warhol’s fascination with global fame, social hierarchy and the immense power of media imagery. Today, Warhol’s works are almost as legendary as the monarchs themselves, each of whom left an enduring mark on history,” says Kathrine Eriksen.
When the Queens Learned the News
Before the series went into production, the four monarchs were reportedly informed that Warhol intended to portray them. According to contemporary accounts, the queens’ reactions ranged from neutral curiosity to genuine enthusiasm.
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Estimate: DKK 800,000–1 million (approx. EUR 107,000–134,000 / GBP 92,800-115,900).
Portrait of Queen Margrethe II. Estimate: DKK 250,000–300,000 (approx. EUR 33,500–40,000 / GBP 29,000-34,800).
Both works will be offered at Bruun Rasmussen’s Live Auction of Modern Art on 17 June. Explore the works HERE.
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Bruun Rasmussen has since 1948 sold art, design, jewellery, wristwatches, antiques and collectibles such as wine, books, coins and stamps. As the leading auction house in Denmark, we sell over 75,000 items every year at our Online Auctions at bruun-rasmussen.dk and at Live Auctions at our auction house in Lyngby.
Our specialists are the most experienced and competent in the industry. The work in the auction house places great demands on our knowledge of art and trends on the market. This way, we can provide valuations and advice of the highest quality – which has become our trademark – and thereby offer the best lots from all categories and achieve high hammer prices for the benefit of our customers.
At Bruun Rasmussen, we are one of Europe's most modern and digital auction houses, and it is only natural for us to adapt to changes in the market. Innovation is part of our DNA, while we are also deeply rooted in our history.
In 2022, after having been family-owned through three generations, we became part of the international “Bonhams Network”, expanding our global reach and access to specialists all over the world. We strategically present and sell art where it makes the most sense in relation to potential buyers.
