A couple of tourists broke the so-called "Van Gogh" chair, adorned with hundreds of sparkling crystals, and displayed at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy.
The images released by the Museum last Thursday show a man and a woman taking pictures while pretending to be seated on the chair, decorated with Swarovski crystals made of polished glass and machine-carved.
In the surveillance video shared by the institution, one can see the moment when the man appears to slip and fall onto the chair, crushing it beneath him.
According to the authorities, the couple fled the museum before the staff realized what had happened. Since then, they have notified the police about the couple, who have not yet been identified.
"Sometimes we get carried away trying to take a photo and we don’t consider the consequences," said the museum director, Vanessa Carlon.
Although this incident occurred in April, Palazzo Maffei made the images public on June 12.
The chair was built by the Italian artist Nicola Bolla and is adorned with polished and machine-cut Swarovski crystals. It is named after Vincent van Gogh as a tribute to the painting of a simple chair by the Dutch artist.
Carlotta Menegazzo, an art historian working at the Palazzo Maffei, states that although it appears sturdy, its structure is mostly hollow and held together with aluminum foil.
"In the chair there was a note warning people not to touch it and, of course, it is placed on a pedestal, so it's clear that it's not a real chair," he explained.
Two legs and the main seat were broken, but Menegazzo claims that "great work" was done to restore the piece, and it is already back in its place.
Palazzo Maffei opened its doors in 2020 and showcases 650 pieces, including paintings by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art.
Carlon hopes that the dissemination of the surveillance images does not become a "negative episode."
On the contrary, he wants to express that "anyone should enter art spaces, whether museums or churches, wherever art is displayed, in a more respectful manner."
We must respect and cherish art, because it is very fragile," he added.
Frequently asked questions about the incident at Palazzo Maffei
What happened to the "Van Gogh" chair at Palazzo Maffei?
A couple of tourists broke the "Van Gogh" chair, adorned with Swarovski crystals, while taking photos at the Palazzo Maffei in Verona. The incident was captured by security cameras and occurred when the man slipped and fell onto the chair. The couple fled before the museum staff noticed the damage.
How is the "Van Gogh" chair made and why is it fragile?
The "Van Gogh" chair was created by the Italian artist Nicola Bolla and is adorned with polished and machine-cut Swarovski crystals. Its structure is hollow and held together with aluminum foil, which makes it appear sturdy but is actually very fragile.
What measures have been taken after the incident at the museum?
The museum has restored the "Van Gogh" chair and returned it to its display location. Additionally, they have released surveillance footage to raise awareness about the importance of respecting works of art. The museum director, Vanessa Carlon, has emphasized the need for greater consideration of art by visitors.
What other works are displayed in the Palazzo Maffei?
The Palazzo Maffei, which opened its doors in 2020, showcases 650 pieces of art, including paintings by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art. It is a museum that houses a wide variety of works, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.
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