Queen Margrethe II 343 by Andy Warhol depicts Queen Margrethe II of Denmark in crisp profile against a deep teal background. Warhol outlines her dark coiffure in electric yellow strokes, giving each curl a sculptural presence. Her gold crown and earrings glow with sharp highlights, while her coral-red gown frames a necklace of bright, circular jewels. The print balances graphic intensity with cool refinement, and Queen Margrethe’s steady gaze anchors the composition.
Queen Margrethe Warhol Portraits in the Reigning Queens Series
Queen Margrethe II 343 forms part of Warhol’s 1985 Reigning Queens portfolio, a set of sixteen screenprints showing four ruling monarchs of the era: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland. Warhol used these portraits to broaden his definition of celebrity. Instead of focusing solely on entertainers, he turned to political figures and hereditary rulers whose public visibility shaped national identity. Moreover, the series builds on Warhol’s earlier political works, including the Mao prints, Vote McGovern, and the Lenin series. Seen together, these works highlight his interest in power, image-making, and global influence.
Color, Line, and Warhol’s Approach in Queen Margrethe Warhol Prints
Warhol built Queen Margrethe II 343 from an official press photograph, then heightened its formality through saturated color and hand-drawn linework. He chose a dark background to sharpen the contrast with her pale complexion. Consequently, the queen’s crown and jewelry catch the eye immediately. The warm reds of her gown and the luminous yellows of her accessories create a rhythm that guides the viewer upward toward her styled hair and radiant crown. In addition, Warhol’s use of yellow contour lines adds movement and texture, giving the portrait a dynamic graphic edge.
Historical Context and Warhol’s Intent
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark ascended the throne in 1972. Known for her intellect, artistic interests, and diplomatic steadiness, she became one of Europe’s most admired monarchs. Warhol approached her image with both fascination and strategic irony. Although he admired the elegance of royal portraiture, he resisted showing the series in the United States. His diary records his frustration when the portfolio appeared in New York, as he felt American audiences showed little interest in modern royalty. Even so, the prints have gained lasting recognition for the way they merge glamour, symbolism, and Pop Art clarity.
Queen Margrethe II 343 in Warhol’s Larger Body of Work
Within Warhol’s political portraiture, Queen Margrethe II 343 stands out for its balance of severity and grace. Warhol treated monarchs as celebrities, yet he preserved the authority of their roles through color, scale, and precise linework. Today the print remains a vivid example of his late-career style and continues to draw collectors for its elegance and visual force.
Photo credits:
- First official photograph of Queen Margrethe II after her ascension in 1972. Courtesy of the Hulton and Getty archives.
- Andy Warhol signing a promotional lithograph for the Reigning Queens series. Photographer unknown.
