The incident raises questions about visitor safety and the responsibilities of museums when priceless artworks are at risk.
Child Accidentally Damages €50m Rothko Masterpiece at Dutch Museum
Child Accidentally Damages €50m Rothko Masterpiece at Dutch Museum
A child inadvertently harmed a valuable Rothko painting during an exhibition in Rotterdam, leading to discussions about art preservation and museum policies.
By Anna Lamche
A child has accidentally caused damage to a €50 million Rothko painting, "Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8," at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. According to the museum's spokesperson, the damage occurred during an unguarded moment and is described as "superficial," with small scratches visible on the painting's lower section.
While the museum is currently exploring conservation options, they expect the work to be displayed again in the future. Conservation specialists are now evaluating the damage and researching historic treatments for Rothko's works, which are known for their unvarnished surfaces. Sophie McAloone, conservation manager at the Fine Art Restoration Company, explained that Rothko's modern technique makes his paintings particularly vulnerable to damage.
Jonny Helm from Plowden & Smith highlighted that the incident could impact UK institutions contemplating similar display strategies. He noted that storing artworks in accessible areas might increase the risk of accidental damage. Additionally, Rachel Myrtle from Aon informed that most fine art insurance policies cover damages caused by visitors, including children.
Historically, the museum has held visitors responsible for damages, with past incidents leading to financial reparations for art damages caused by individuals. With the Rothko incident acknowledged as not the first, there is a sense that awareness and caution will increase as museums reopen various collections to the public.
A child has accidentally caused damage to a €50 million Rothko painting, "Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8," at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. According to the museum's spokesperson, the damage occurred during an unguarded moment and is described as "superficial," with small scratches visible on the painting's lower section.
While the museum is currently exploring conservation options, they expect the work to be displayed again in the future. Conservation specialists are now evaluating the damage and researching historic treatments for Rothko's works, which are known for their unvarnished surfaces. Sophie McAloone, conservation manager at the Fine Art Restoration Company, explained that Rothko's modern technique makes his paintings particularly vulnerable to damage.
Jonny Helm from Plowden & Smith highlighted that the incident could impact UK institutions contemplating similar display strategies. He noted that storing artworks in accessible areas might increase the risk of accidental damage. Additionally, Rachel Myrtle from Aon informed that most fine art insurance policies cover damages caused by visitors, including children.
Historically, the museum has held visitors responsible for damages, with past incidents leading to financial reparations for art damages caused by individuals. With the Rothko incident acknowledged as not the first, there is a sense that awareness and caution will increase as museums reopen various collections to the public.
