Rothko Painting Damaged by Child in Rotterdam Museum Incident

The museum explores next steps as it deals with the aftermath of the €50 million incident.

In a surprising turn of events, a young child damaged a painting by renowned American artist Mark Rothko at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The painting, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, is valued at an estimated €50 million (£42.5 million). According to museum spokespersons, the damage occurred during an "unguarded moment" and is described as "superficial," with small scratches noted on the unvarnished paint layer.

The museum is currently considering its next steps for the treatment of the artwork and has enlisted conservation experts from within the Netherlands and abroad. A spokesperson mentioned to the BBC that they hope to eventually display the painting again. Sophie McAloone, conservation manager at the Fine Art Restoration Company, highlighted that modern unvarnished paintings like Rothko's are particularly vulnerable to damage due to their complex materials and lack of a protective layer.

Jonny Helm, a marketing manager at an art restoration service, noted that the incident poses potential implications for other cultural institutions in the UK that might be considering external displays of their collections. The Rothko incident raises questions about how museums can protect their artworks while also making them accessible to the public.

This isn't the first time a Rothko has faced damage; in the past, Rothko's 1958 piece, Black on Maroon, was deliberately vandalized at London's Tate Modern in 2012. That restoration took 18 months and was estimated to cost £200,000. The current incident has also brought attention to the insurance aspects surrounding artwork damage, as galleries usually have policies covering accidental damages caused by visitors, including children.

The museum has not disclosed who will be held liable for the recent damage, but it previously charged visitors for damages caused to artworks. Similar incidents have been reported where museums showed leniency, like the case of a four-year-old at an Israeli museum who accidentally broke a 3,500-year-old artifact.

As museums navigate these challenges, the debate continues about maintaining accessibility to art while ensuring the protection of valuable pieces. The ongoing restoration efforts and expert consultations will determine the future of Rothko's Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, alongside the broader conversation about art preservation practices in public spaces.