Incident at the Uffizi Gallery
An oil painting from the 18th century was damaged after a museum visitor stumbled while taking a selfie at Florence’s Uffizi gallery. The tourist fell backwards and damaged the painting, a portrait of Ferdinando de ‘Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany, by Anton Domenico Gabbiani.
The Cause of the Damage
According to the museum, the visitor was trying to take a selfie to create a "meme" when the accident occurred. The museum’s director, Simone Verde, warned that restrictions on visitor behavior may be imposed in the future to prevent similar incidents. He stated that the problem of visitors taking selfies and making memes in museums is widespread and that the museum will set precise limits to prevent behaviors that are not compatible with the meaning of the institution and respect for cultural heritage.
Consequences of the Incident
The portrait was part of an exhibition called "Florence and Europe: Arts of the Eighteenth Century," which featured around 150 works of art. The exhibition is currently closed until July 2 to allow for the repair of the damaged painting. The visitor who caused the damage was identified by the police and reported to the court authorities.
Similar Incidents
This incident is not the first of its kind. Earlier this year, a man slipped and fell onto a broken chair by Italian artist Nicola Bolla at Palazzo Maffei in Verona. The man had been taking photos with a woman and pretended to sit on the chair, causing the damage. The museum director, Vanessa Carlon, commented that sometimes people lose their common sense when taking photos and do not think about the consequences.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
The incident highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and respecting the artwork on display in museums. While taking selfies and making memes can be fun, it is essential to do so responsibly and without causing damage to the artwork or disrupting the museum experience for others. By setting limits and preventing inappropriate behavior, museums can ensure that their collections are protected for future generations to enjoy.
