This print is from the Royal edition of the Reigning Queens portfolio, produced by Andy Warhol in 1985. The portfolio comprises sixteen prints, four images of each of the four female monarchs who were then ruling at the time of the portfolio’s publication: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland.

Queen Elizabeth’s portrait is derived from an official photograph taken in 1975 by Peter Grugeon and published for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The Royal Edition of this portfolio incorporated ‘diamond dust’ in the printing process and was limited to a production of 30.

Prints from this edition are held by the Royal Collection, and from the standard edition by Tate and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Warhol‘s works often explored themes of consumerism, celebrity culture, and the mechanical reproduction of images, challenging traditional notions of artistic originality.

This work is emblematic of his interest in the commodification of celebrity and, by association, in the commodification of his own image and work. As he once stated: “I want to be as famous as the Queen of England”.

The conservation process for works like this involves careful examination and cleaning to stabilize the artwork, repair any damage, and ensure it can be displayed safely. Restorers aim to preserve the original materials and intent of the artist while maintaining the integrity and longevity of the piece for future study and appreciation.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987), 1985
Screenprint with diamond dust from the Royal Edition of the Reigning Queens portfolio.
Edition: (Royal) 1 / 30
Collection of Sotheby’s Institute of Art