Andy Warhol Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (F & S. II.342) For Sale

Published in 1985, the "Reigning Queens" portfolio by Andy Warhol features sixteen prints of four formidable monarchs: 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, their repetition echoing the look of postage stamps. The 'Royal Edition' of these prints includes diamond dust, adding an extra touch of luxury and glamour.

The distinctly non-American theme of royalty sparked controversy when George Mulder organized the first U.S. exhibition of "Reigning Queens" in New York in June 1985. Warhol himself expressed frustration, stating, "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."

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is a member of the Danish royal family who reigned as Queen of Denmark from 14 January 1972 until her abdication on 14 January 2024. Having reigned for exactly 52 years, she was the second-longest reigning Danish monarch after Christian IV. At the time of her birth, only males could ascend the throne of Denmark, owing to the changes in succession laws enacted in the 1850s when the Glücksburg branch was chosen to succeed. However, the constitution was changed in 1953, which permitted a female succession to the throne if she did not have a brother. In 2009, the law of succession was modified into absolute primogeniture. With the complicated history of female rule in Denmark, Warhol’s depiction of Margrethe holds even more powerfully.

Female power and authority exudes from these screenprints. Margrethe’s hair and clothing are depicted in a wash of royal blue, which draws attention to her profile, a recognisable face which would be repeated across coins and stamps. Dashes of vibrant yellow are hand drawn across her hair and broaches, whilst blocks of colours have been transposed over her necklace, drawing attention to her opulence. In the Reigning Queens portfolio, Andy Warhol treated Margrethe, not as a ruling monarch, but as a Pop Art icon, akin to his other celebrity portfolios, such as Mick Jagger or Marilyn Monroe. However, the use of contrasting colours brings your eye towards the ornate necklace, earrings and dazzling tiara, reminded you she is no ordinary celebrity, she is a royal.

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