Two tourists were reprimanded by an Italian museum for damaging an artwork by sitting on it.
in the time of the incident, the couple in question was in Palazzo Maffei Verona. CCTV footage showed them strolling through the museum when they came upon a piece of art known as Van Gogh’s chair, which is a chair by Nicola Bolla coated in Swarovski crystals that looks just like the one in Van Gogh’s iconic painting from 1888.
The pair decided to pose by (and on) the freestanding chair in one of the museum’s rooms for pictures.
First, the man goes to sit properly on the artwork after the woman seems to perch on it for a picture. Then it shattered.
The two quickly leave the room after their gaffe.
The museum has since posted CCTV footage on its social media channels, despite its undoubtedly hopeful anticipation that the situation would finish there. But their faces were blurred.
Alongside the video, the museum penned in a statement: “An irresponsible gesture at Palazzo Maffei.”
“What you have just seen is not a joke, but an episode that actually happened in the rooms of Palazzo Maffei.”
“Superficial and disrespectful behavior has put the integrity of a work of art at risk: the ‘Van Gogh’ chair by the artist Nicola Bolla was damaged by some visitors, who, waiting for the security guards to leave, chose to take an ‘effective’ photo, ignoring every rule of respect towards art and cultural heritage.”
“We decided not to limit ourselves to a simple report of the incident. We want to transform this episode into an opportunity to reflect and raise public awareness: art must be admired, experienced, but above all respected. Always.”
Since then, many have expressed their opinions online, and it’s safe to say that they are not impressed.
One person said on Facebook: “This is crazy! I have seen that building and the artistic beauties it contains made generously available by the owner, so that others, everyone can enjoy… What a little brat !!! They should be identified and punished for the damage caused.”
“They don’t deserve anonymity,” insisted another. A third person suggested, “I hope they pay for the damage and if it’s invaluable, they must at least give them a pretty fine.”
Although it hasn’t been verified, some people have theorised that the pair was American.
According to the New York Post, the story has a slightly happy ending because the artwork has subsequently been restored.
