-
-
Reigning Queens: Queen Ntombi of Zwaziland (F & S. II.348)
"Warhol had always been fascinated by celebrity worship. Before creating the "Reigning Queens" portfolio, much of his work focused on celebrity culture and glamour, as seen in his famous Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor series. The "Reigning Queens" series fits perfectly within this theme, celebrating the ultimate symbols of glamour, reverence, and untouchability: Queens."
The "Reigning Queens" portfolio, published in 1985, features sixteen prints of four powerful reigning queens: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland. Each queen is depicted in four prints, each bathed in vibrant Pop Art colours. The 'Royal Edition' of these prints is embellished with diamond dust, infusing an added layer of luxury and glamour.
Warhol’s distinctly American perspective clashed with the un-American nature of royalty, leading to his outrage when George Mulder organized the first exhibition of "Reigning Queens" in New York in June 1985. Warhol was displeased, remarking, "I had my opening at Leo Castelli’s to go to, of the Reigning Queens portfolio that I just hate George Mulder for showing here in America. [It was] supposed to be only for Europe—nobody here cares about royalty and it’ll be another bad review."
This print features Queen Ntombi of Swaziland, with Warhol transforming her official portrait into a Pop Art masterpiece. He saturated the colours, immersing the queen in warm blue hues against a yellow background. In his typical style, Warhol used blocks of colour to highlight regal features such as her headdress and necklace. The portfolio is a powerful depiction of female authority, celebrating queens who ruled by birthright rather than marriage. Queen Ntombi is shown smiling warmly, with Warhol’s dynamic hand-drawn lines accentuating her necklace and dress.
Warhol had always been fascinated by celebrity worship. Before creating the "Reigning Queens" portfolio, much of his work focused on celebrity culture and glamour, as seen in his famous Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor series. The "Reigning Queens" series fits perfectly within this theme, celebrating the ultimate symbols of glamour, reverence, and untouchability: Queens.
-
-
Buy or sell Reigning Queens (F & S II.348) by Andy Warhol at Andipa Editions
Buy Andy Warhol Reigning Queens (F & S II.348)
Andipa Editions, as part of Andipa, have been at the forefront of the Warhol market for over 20 years. To enquire about buying Reigning Queens (F & S II.348) by Andy Warhol, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371.
Sell Andy Warhol Reigning Queens (F & S II.348) by Andy Warhol
With a global network of active buyers, Andipa Editions are the place to sell your Reigning Queens (F & S II.348) print. Straight-forward and stress-free, we manage the process on your behalf and help to maximise your return. For a complimentary valuation of your Reigning Queens (F & S II.348) print, contact us via sales@andipa.com or on +44 (0) 20 7589 2371. Explore our collection of Andy Warhol original prints for sale.