A painting by former Danish Queen Margrethe sold for $23,300 at an auction in Copenhagen, far exceeding its expected price range. The sale comes after her historic abdication due to health reasons, marking a significant moment in Danish monarchy.
A painting by the former Danish monarch, Queen Margrethe, achieved a notable sale at auction in Copenhagen, selling for $23,300, greatly surpassing its pre-sale estimates of $11,000-$14,550. The abstract artwork, crafted in 1998, garnered increased interest potentially due to Queen Margrethe’s unexpected abdication earlier this year, after citing health reasons. At 83, Margrethe, known for her multifaceted creative talents including designing for ballet and illustrating books, rarely sells her artwork. Her recent abdication marked a historical moment, being the first Danish monarch to voluntarily step down in almost 900 years, with her son now reigning as King Frederik X. Denmark boasts one of Europe’s oldest monarchies, dating back to the 10th-century Viking king Gorm the Old.
In related news, Norway’s King Harald V has been hospitalized in Malaysia due to an infection, with plans to implant a permanent pacemaker following a recent surgery to install a temporary one. At 87, King Harald, despite health challenges including a 2020 heart valve replacement, has expressed no desire to abdicate. His role as Norway’s monarch is primarily ceremonial, having ascended to the throne in 1991. The royal palace confirms his condition is improving, highlighting the ongoing support and interest in royal health and succession topics.
