The portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici (centre) was damaged by a visitor to the Uffizi Galleries.
Share this @internewscast.com
An incident involving a visitor has led to the damage of a 17th-century artwork at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. The mishap occurred when the visitor stumbled backwards while taking a photo, the museum stated.

While touring the renowned museum on Saturday, the visitor inadvertently harmed a portrait of Tuscan prince Ferdinando de’ Medici. The painting, created around 1695-1700 by Anton Domenico Gabbiani, was affected, the museum revealed on Monday.

In widely circulated security camera footage of the incident, a man can be seen posing in front of the oil painting before leaning back and then quickly jumping up as he realises he touched it.
The portrait of Ferdinando de' Medici (centre) was damaged by a visitor to the Uffizi Galleries.
The portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici (centre) was damaged by a visitor to the Uffizi Galleries. (Uffizi)
Pictures later published by local media showed a small tear in the painting around the area of the nobleman’s ankle.

The identity of the visitor remains undisclosed, but the incident has been reported to local authorities. The artwork has been withdrawn for restoration, though the museum described the harm as “minor,” assuring it will be on display shortly.

This episode led Simone Verde, the Uffizi Galleries director, to express concern over “the issue of visitors who attend museums to create memes or take selfies for social media purposes.”

“We will set very precise limits, preventing behaviours that are not compatible with the sense of our institutions and respect for cultural heritage,” he added in a statement sent to CNN.

Museum-goers accidentally damaging exhibits in the pursuit of the perfect photo appears to be an increasing problem for the institutions.

Just last week, a crystal-covered chair inspired by one of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous paintings was seriously damaged when a tourist sat on it while posing for a photograph at a museum in Verona.

In April, a child damaged a huge painting by Mark Rothko, thought to be worth tens of millions of dollars, while visiting a Dutch museum.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Warns of Potential Sanctions on Russia in 50 Days, Unveils New Weapons Support for Ukraine

Key Points Donald Trump has unveiled new arms support for Ukraine. Trump…
Europe is sweltering under a deadly heat dome, triggering wildfires across Turkey (pictured) and Greece

Popular Australian Tour Company Cancels Europe Trips for Surprising Reason

One of Australia’s top travel companies has canceled some European tours during…
Closest ever photos of the sun reveal 'space weather threat' origins

Unprecedented Sun Photos Uncover Origins of ‘Space Weather Threat’

New images reveal the sun in never-before-seen detail after a record-breaking probe…
Homicide squad investigates death of baby boy in Perth

Perth Homicide Squad Probes Infant Death

The heartbreaking death of a baby boy in Perth’s north has triggered…

Tour de France: Heartbreak for Australian Cyclists as They Fall Short of Podium in Stage 10 Finish

Ben O’Connor and Michael Storer have narrowly missed out on a podium…

Pressure Mounts for Jillian Segal to Resign from Antisemitism Envoy Role

There are demands for Jillian Segal, Australia’s special envoy tasked with addressing…
Catrin, a 22-year-old outdoor instructor, left her job in Malvern, England, and relocated to Motutapu Island, situated near Auckland, New Zealand, where she spent nine months working in an outdoor recreation centre

Why I Left the UK for a Remote Island Life: Limited Excursions and Few Activities, Yet Total Bliss

A Welsh expat has shared the benefits and drawbacks of remote living…
Aussie accused of breaking Scottish Stone of Destiny museum display

Australian Allegedly Damages Scottish ‘Stone of Destiny’ Museum Exhibit

A 35-year-old Sydney man has appeared in a Scottish court charged with…

Eliminating Card Surcharge Fees Could Save Consumers $1.2 Billion, Reports RBA

Australia’s central bank wants to remove surcharge fees on both debit and…
Avalon blurred

Child Undergoes Brain Scans Following Suspected Plane Hijacking Attempt

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody following his arrest related to the…

Australians Warned Against Pouring Milk Down the Drain

Australian residents are being urged not to pour milk down the drain…

A Third of Young Australian Workers Experience Wage Theft

Cafe worker Mia McDowall was initially taken aback to find she had…