A breathtaking Rothko painting, Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at an astonishing €50 million (£42.5 million), was recently damaged by a careless child at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The incident took place in the museum's depot, a public area showcasing favorite artworks, and has left many discussing the implications for art conservation.
According to museum representatives, the damage was described as "superficial," consisting of small scratches on the lower part of the unvarnished painting. Experts from both local and international conservation agencies are reviewing how best to treat the painting moving forward. They anticipate that the artwork will be available for public viewing again in the future.
Sophie McAloone, a conservation manager, noted that modern paintings like Rothko's are particularly vulnerable due to their unique materials and absence of a protective coating, making even minor scratches highly noticeable. Art restoration professionals emphasize the challenges faced in remedying damage to Rothko’s work, which has experienced unfortunate incidents before, notably when a Rothko was vandalized in London in 2012.
The museum is currently determining how to handle liability for the damage. In past incidents, such as a tourist stepping on another artwork, the museum billed the responsible party for repairs. In cases of museum damage, insurance typically covers accidents, including those involving children.
This incident raises questions about the exposure of artworks by museums worldwide, especially as they look to engage visitors in new ways while ensuring the safety of precious pieces. The conversation continues about the balance between accessibility and preservation in the art world.
According to museum representatives, the damage was described as "superficial," consisting of small scratches on the lower part of the unvarnished painting. Experts from both local and international conservation agencies are reviewing how best to treat the painting moving forward. They anticipate that the artwork will be available for public viewing again in the future.
Sophie McAloone, a conservation manager, noted that modern paintings like Rothko's are particularly vulnerable due to their unique materials and absence of a protective coating, making even minor scratches highly noticeable. Art restoration professionals emphasize the challenges faced in remedying damage to Rothko’s work, which has experienced unfortunate incidents before, notably when a Rothko was vandalized in London in 2012.
The museum is currently determining how to handle liability for the damage. In past incidents, such as a tourist stepping on another artwork, the museum billed the responsible party for repairs. In cases of museum damage, insurance typically covers accidents, including those involving children.
This incident raises questions about the exposure of artworks by museums worldwide, especially as they look to engage visitors in new ways while ensuring the safety of precious pieces. The conversation continues about the balance between accessibility and preservation in the art world.
