Tourist Photo Attempt Leads to Damaged Artwork
A tourist’s attempt to pose for a picture at an Italian museum ended with a damaged artwork and a hasty exit.
Surveillance footage released by the Palazzo Maffei museum in Verona, Italy, on Wednesday, 12 June, shows an unidentified man and woman taking turns photographing each other near a crystal-covered art piece known as the “Van Gogh” chair.
The Surveillance Video
The man, unlike his companion, who only mimicked sitting, appeared to place his full weight on the artwork.
He then lost his balance and fell backward onto the chair, damaging its structure.
The woman quickly helped him up, and the couple left the gallery without notifying museum staff.
Chair’s Delicate Frame Not Meant for Use
The “Van Gogh” chair, designed by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, is crafted using hundreds of sparkling Swarovski crystals.
It is reported that, though it may resemble a usable chair, it is an artwork named in tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s painting of a simple chair.
Despite its visuals, the chair could not withstand pressure.
Museum Criticizes Visitors for Leaving Scene
The Palazzo Maffei staff described the couple’s actions as “the ultimate nightmare to any museum.”
The museum staff explained that the tourists appeared to wait until the room was empty before staging their photo.
After the damage was caused, the couple fled the scene, seemingly indifferent to the impact they had caused.
Chair Successfully Restored
In the aftermath of the incident, museum staff initially expressed uncertainty about whether the chair could be restored.
However, the staff confirmed that restorers were able to bring the piece back to its original state.
They expressed appreciation to the restorers, police, and security personnel who assisted in responding to the situation.
The chair has since been successfully repaired and returned to public display.
The couple involved in the incident has yet to be identified, though the museum has notified local authorities.
Watch the video here:
@bbcnews Museum officials said the couple fled the museum before staff noticed what happened. #VanGogh #PalazzoMaffei #Museum Art #Artist #Verona #Italy #CCTV #Chair #News #BBCNews
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