Published in 1985, Andy Warhol’s print showcases the distinguished monarch: Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom Andy Warhol once said, "I want to be as famous as the Queen of England," a statement that inspired his creation of the Reigning Queens portfolio, completed in 1985, just two years before his death. This series, which includes the Queen Elizabeth print, is one of Warhol's most expansive, featuring a total of sixteen prints. In addition to Queen Elizabeth II, the series showcases three other reigning queens: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, and Queen Ntombi Twala of Swaziland. Each monarch is depicted in four variations, with the repetition evoking the style of postage stamps. The ‘Royal Edition’ of each print includes diamond dust, adding a touch of luxury and highlighting the queens’ regal status. Warhol used his signature screen-printing technique to produce these portraits with meticulous detail. For the Queen Elizabeth print, he drew on her official Silver Jubilee portrait from 1977, captured by Peter Grugeon in 1975. This image, frequently reproduced on currency, aligns with Warhol's fascination with mass production. The screenprint presents Queen Elizabeth with a striking Pop Art twist: she smiles against a vibrant pink background, dressed in yellow with a blue sash. Bold colour blocks, akin to those in his Ladies and Gentlemen series, further emphasise the Pop Art influence. The print’s focus on her bright, pale face and her regal demeanour underscores its representation of female power and authority.