1985
The present work is one of four portraits forming Warhol's renowned portfolio 'Reigning Queens'. Completed towards the end of his life, the portfolio is considered one of his most notable and iconic works. Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Beatrix of Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland were all chosen by Warhol because they had each assumed their thrones through birthright. Warhol was fascinated by the fame, and sometimes the infamy, of global figures and political leaders, but arguably more so by the feminine power.
He chose the official photograph of the Queen released for her Silver Jubilee in 1977 to create this screenprint and then overlaid abstract blocks of colour and off-register line drawing to transform the portrait into a work of Pop Art. His use of official state portraiture - the kind that often appeared on stamps and currency – emphasises Warhol's interest in the power of an image, notably its mass production and repetition, making 'Reigning Queens' a series that succinctly encapsulates a number of Warhol's enduring fascinations throughout his career.
Screenprint in colours, 1985, on Lenox Museum Board, signed in pencil, numbered 'AP 8/10', one of 10 artist's proof, aside from the standard edition of 40, printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, published by George C. P. Mulder, Amsterdam, sheet: 100 x 80 cm. (39¼ x 3¼ in.)
Feldman & Schellmann II.334
He chose the official photograph of the Queen released for her Silver Jubilee in 1977 to create this screenprint and then overlaid abstract blocks of colour and off-register line drawing to transform the portrait into a work of Pop Art. His use of official state portraiture - the kind that often appeared on stamps and currency – emphasises Warhol's interest in the power of an image, notably its mass production and repetition, making 'Reigning Queens' a series that succinctly encapsulates a number of Warhol's enduring fascinations throughout his career.
Screenprint in colours, 1985, on Lenox Museum Board, signed in pencil, numbered 'AP 8/10', one of 10 artist's proof, aside from the standard edition of 40, printed by Rupert Jasen Smith, published by George C. P. Mulder, Amsterdam, sheet: 100 x 80 cm. (39¼ x 3¼ in.)
Feldman & Schellmann II.334
About us
Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
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