In a bewildering incident that combines art and bureaucracy, the southern Dutch municipality of Maashorst has revealed that a valuable silk-screen print by the iconic artist Andy Warhol, portraying former Queen Beatrix, has likely been mistakenly disposed of. This revelation came to light following an independent investigation commissioned by the municipality. Along with the Warhol piece, nearly 50 other works of art are believed to have been lost amid the recent renovations of the town hall.
Dutch Town’s Mishap Leads to Lost Warhol Masterpiece
Dutch Town’s Mishap Leads to Lost Warhol Masterpiece
A beloved silk-screen print by Andy Warhol featuring former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has likely been discarded by the municipality of Maashorst during renovations.
Officials have expressed doubt about the recovery of these artworks, stating, “It’s not likely that the missing art works will ever be found," as they communicated to the local council. The silk-screen print was part of Warhol’s “Reigning Queens” series from 1985, which notably features notable monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland).
Tens of thousands of euros in potential value may now lie in a landfill, and while the exact circumstances surrounding the oversight remain unclear, it underscores the precarious position of art preservation against the backdrop of municipal maintenance and oversight.
Tens of thousands of euros in potential value may now lie in a landfill, and while the exact circumstances surrounding the oversight remain unclear, it underscores the precarious position of art preservation against the backdrop of municipal maintenance and oversight.
