Child touches unguarded painting: Valuable Rothko Painting Damaged by Child at Dutch Museum
A priceless painting by American artist Mark Rothko was damaged by a child at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam. The artwork, titled “Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8,” is valued at $56 million and is one of the museum’s most valuable pieces.
Incident Details
According to the museum spokesperson, the child touched the lower part of the painting in an unsupervised moment, causing visible scratches in the unvarnished paint layer. The incident occurred while the painting was on display at the museum’s Depot, as the main building undergoes renovations expected to be completed in 2030.
Artwork Significance
“Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8” is a significant piece in Rothko’s oeuvre, characterized by its abstract “floating color fields.” The painting was acquired by Boijmans in 1970 and is one of only two Rothko paintings in the Netherlands.
Restoration Efforts
Restoration experts are currently working to determine the best course of action to repair the painting. The museum has sought conservation expertise in the Netherlands and abroad, and expects the work to be able to be shown again in the future.
Challenges of Restoring Modern Art
Modern, unvarnished paintings like Rothko’s are particularly susceptible to damage due to their complex materials and lack of traditional coating layers. Even small areas of damage can be instantly perceptible, making restoration a delicate process.
Still on Child touches unguarded painting
Responsibility and Insurance
The museum has not determined who will pay for the painting’s repair. Fine art insurance policies typically cover accidental damage caused by children or visitors, but certain exclusions may apply. In the past, the museum has billed visitors who damaged artworks on display.
Museum’s Response
The museum is keeping the identity of the child and parents private. The spokesperson emphasized that the museum’s priority is to research the next steps for the treatment of the painting and ensure its future display.
Expert Insights
According to Sophie McAloone, conservation manager at the Fine Art Restoration Company, scratching of the upper paint layers can significantly impact the viewing experience of the piece. The museum’s restoration efforts will aim to preserve the artwork’s integrity and ensure its continued appreciation by the public.
Tinubu is isolated, says former presidential adviser Baba Ahmed
Would you like to Earn Money Online with just your mobile device?
If yes then click on the link below:
https://earnbean.ng/
