Bold Break-In at MPV Gallery
In a brazen morning heist, thieves targeted an art gallery in the southern Netherlands, successfully stealing two rare prints by pop artist Andy Warhol while causing extensive damage to the gallery and nearby businesses. The incident occurred at MPV Gallery in Oisterwijk, where the criminals detonated an explosive to force open the gallery door, executing their plan with startling aggression.
The Heist and Its Consequences
According to gallery owner Mark Peet Visser, the thieves aimed to steal four prints from Warhol’s 1985 series titled “Reigning Queens,” which showcases portraits of the queens of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Swaziland. In their chaotic escape, the perpetrators left behind two damaged prints on the street. Visser described the operation as “amateurish,” highlighting that while the explosive effectively destroyed the entrance, the criminals failed to secure their haul.
Damage and Disruption
Visser recounted the dramatic aftermath of the explosion, stating that the force was so intense it obliterated parts of his building and inflicted damage on surrounding stores. “They accomplished the demolition part quite well—perhaps too well,” he remarked. As the thieves hastily attempted to load the stolen artworks into their vehicle, they realized the pieces were too large to fit, leading them to tear the prints from their frames, rendering them irreparably damaged.
Valuation and Upcoming Exhibition
Although Visser refrained from assessing the monetary value of the four signed and numbered works, he had intended to display them as a complete set at an upcoming art fair in Amsterdam later this month. This theft occurs against the backdrop of heightened interest in Warhol’s work, particularly as the Het Loo Palace Museum in the Netherlands prepares for an exhibition featuring his “Reigning Queens” series. This showcase was touted as the last chance to view Warhol’s iconic works for at least five years before they were scheduled for storage in 2025 due to their delicate condition.
Call for Witnesses and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation continues as local police appeal for witnesses to come forward regarding the heist. Forensic experts have commenced their work at the vandalized gallery, seeking clues to track down the culprits. The loss of portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II has drawn attention to the audacity of the crime, leaving the art community and law enforcement determined to seek justice for the damaged cultural assets.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Artnet News
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