Queen Ntombi Twala Of Swaziland Royal Edition (F. & S. II.348)
Queen Ntombi Twala Of Swaziland Royal Edition (F. & S. II.348)
Signed Print
Andy Warhol
Screenprint, 1985
Signed Print Edition of 30
H 99cm x W 78cm
Critical Review
In Queen Ntombi Twala Of Swaziland (F. & S.II.348), Andy Warhol has adapted the official portrait of the reigning queen to his signature medium of screen print, applying his love of vibrant colours. The queen is rendered in blue against a black background. Red accents allow primary colours to dominate in this edition of 30 from 1985. Warhol produced this particular image as part of his larger series, Reigning Queens.
Reigning Queens features four sitting queens, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, in addition to Queen Ntombi Twala in large format screen prints. One of his largest portfolios, this series builds on his life-long fascination with fame and the female icon. Each of the four subjects of the series ruled over her respective kingdom at the time of production. Queen Ntombi Twala ruled as queen regent of her native Swaziland until 1986, when her son, King Mswati III, came of age. She continues to serve as joint head of state as Ndlovukati, or queen mother.
