Queen Elizabeth II Royal Edition (F. & S. II.337)
Queen Elizabeth II Royal Edition (F. & S. II.337)
Signed Print
Andy Warhol
Screenprint, 1985
Signed Print Edition of 30
H 100cm x W 80cm
Critical Review
In this signed screen print, Andy Warhol has reproduced the official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. Produced in 1985 on Lennox museum board, this image features diamond dust to add grandeur and luster. Warhol applied Elizabeth II’s 1977 official portrait for her silver jubilee, adding colour blocking and his own drawing to highlight the monarch’s jewelry. The blue background set against the monarch’s pale blue-toned face, white dress, and red outlining recalls the Union Jack flag of her nation. This edition of 30 is one of four images of Queen Elizabeth II produced for the series Reigning Queens.
Continually inspired by fame and political influence, Warhol set out to create one of his largest portfolios in 1985. The resulting Reigning Queens features four monarchs who ruled in their own right at the time of production: Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe of Denmark, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland. Warhol created these images from official portraits, but adapted them to his signature style of bold colours and flatted contrast. Warhol’s image of Queen Elizabeth II was acquired by the Royal Collection in 2012.
