Two pieces of artwork by renowned American artist Andy Warhol were stolen during a break-in at a gallery in the Netherlands. The incident occurred at the MPV Gallery located in North Brabant. Initially, the thieves attempted to take four silkscreen prints from Warhol’s Reigning Queens series, but they left two behind, according to the gallery owner who spoke with Dutch broadcaster NOS.

The stolen artworks feature depictions of Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II, who recently abdicated her role as Queen of Denmark. Local law enforcement is currently investigating the incident. Reports indicate that there was some form of explosion, which resulted in significant damage to both the gallery and adjacent buildings. The suspects reportedly escaped in a vehicle.

NOS reported that the two prints left behind showcased Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Tfwala from Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). These pieces were abandoned because they could not be accommodated in the thieves' vehicle. The four artworks had been secured at the gallery in preparation for the upcoming PAN Amsterdam art fair, where they were intended to be sold as a collection.

This series consists of 16 silk screens featuring four queens, created by Warhol in 1985, just two years before his passing. Notably, two prints depicting Queen Elizabeth II fetched over £500,000 each at a Sotheby’s auction last year. The auction house described this collection of art and ceramics as having been “lovingly” amassed over four decades.

In addition to this theft, there is artistic activity elsewhere; artist Adam Brown is known for creating caricatures for a phone box art gallery in Ryde. Moreover, a hospice is showcasing its inaugural exhibit of artwork produced by its patients, highlighting creativity and expression through art in various forms within the community.