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Queen Ntombi Twala is one of four portraits which makeup Warhol’s renowned portfolio Reigning Queens, 1985. Each of the four Queens were chosen by the artist because they assumed their thrones through birthright. Queen Ntombi Twala remains the current ruling monarch of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) along with her son and is considered an important, powerful addition to Warhol’s series as the only non-European Queen.
Using his characteristic vibrant colour blocking and off-register line drawing technique, Warhol has transformed this regal state portrait into one that is distinctly ‘Pop’. In this transformation, Warhol is further building on the regal status of Queen Ntombi to that of international pop-culture stardom. In the present piece, Warhol is showcasing his mastery of off-register line drawing to enhance the elements of her jewelry and crown, drawing attention to the sitter’s prestige. The Reigning Queens portfolio highlights Warhol’s lifelong fascination with female icons as powerful global figures as well as his preoccupation with the proliferation of their image.
