فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a bold and unusual incident, the “MPV Gallery” in Oisterwijk, South Holland, was the target of a dramatic heist between Thursday night and Friday morning.
Thieves used heavy explosives to breach the gallery, a rare method in art theft that left shattered glass throughout the area and damaged windows along the nearby street.
According to NOS Media, the thieves detonated the gallery’s front door, gaining access to two pieces from Andy Warhol’s renowned “Queens Reigning” series.
One of the stolen artworks portrays the late Queen Elizabeth II, while the other captures Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. Interestingly, the thieves left two other portraits from the same series depicting Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Queen Ntombi Twala of Eswatini discarded on the street, likely due to space constraints in their vehicle, suggesting an impulsive approach to the heist.
Arthur Brand, a well-known expert in art recovery, remarked that the use of explosives in art theft is exceedingly rare and involves “considerable planning and specialized equipment.”
He also noted that the stolen pieces, while valuable, are not unique, as Warhol created several editions of each portrait, potentially making them easier to trade on the black market.
The gallery owner, Mark Piet Visser, expressed his shock, noting, “The financial value of these paintings is very high, which amplifies the urgency of recovering them.”
The stolen works were intended for display at the “PAN Amsterdam” art fair from November 24 to December 1, adding another layer of complexity to the incident.
This heist serves as a stark reminder to galleries of the need for heightened security measures. As investigations continue, art enthusiasts and cultural advocates alike eagerly await further updates on the case and the potential recovery of the stolen works, hopeful that Warhol’s celebrated contributions to art heritage can be preserved and protected.
source :fesnews media
