In his prolific career, Andy Warhol produced numerous pop art portraits, showcasing vivid works featuring icons like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley. While his painting of Queen Elizabeth II may stand as the most recognizable of his royal artworks, Warhol also captured a young Princess Diana and Prince Charles (now King Charles III) in 1982.
These two artworks, titled “Portrait of Princess Diana” and “Portrait of Prince Charles,” are set to be auctioned in London on Thursday, October 10, with expectations of fetching a substantial amount.
As stated by Phillips auction house, these “striking depictions of the young princess and (then) prince” are inspired by Lord Snowdon’s official engagement photograph of the couple, created a year following their wedding in 1981.
Diana’s portrait is projected to sell for between £1.2 to £1.8 million (approximately $1.6 to $2.4 million), while Charles’s painting carries an estimated value of £1 to £1.5 million, roughly translating to $1.3 to $1.9 million.
In the engagement portrait, Diana is seen in an emerald green gown featuring prominent 1980s puffed sleeves and bow trim, captured by Lord Snowdon, Princess Margaret’s ex-husband and a renowned photographer. Warhol chose to portray the princess in a teal hue, complementing her colorful blue-and-red hair with a turquoise background.
While Warhol adopted a more monochromatic approach for Diana, Prince Charles stands out in his painting, clad in a black military uniform that sharply contrasts against a vibrant blue backdrop.
