Tourist Damages Crystal-Covered Van Gogh Chair in Verona Museum
A shocking incident of vandalism has been reported at the Maffei Palace in Verona, Italy, where a tourist sat on a delicate crystal-studded ‘Van Gogh’ chair, causing it to buckle under his weight. The chair, designed by Nicola Bolla and named after the famous Dutch painter, is covered in hundreds of Swarovski crystals and is described by Italian media as "extremely fragile and delicate".
According to LBC, CCTV footage captured the moment the tourist sat on the chair, which immediately bent back into the wall. The incident occurred when the tourist, accompanied by a female friend, took advantage of a lack of security in the area to pose for a photo. The woman had previously posed in front of the chair, leaning in to create the illusion that she was sitting on it. However, the man took it a step further and placed his weight directly on the chair, causing damage.
The museum’s social media account reported the incident, stating: "Every museum’s nightmare has become reality, even in Palazzo Maffei. Waiting for the surveillance officers to come out, some visitors took an ‘in effect’ photo. The result? An irresponsible gesture caused serious damage to Nicola Bolla’s ‘Van Gogh’ chair, a very delicate work, covered entirely with hundreds of Swarovski crystals." The museum initially expressed uncertainty about whether the artwork could be repaired, but with the help of restorers and Italian law enforcement, the piece has been restored to its former state.
As reported by LBC, the museum’s statement continued: "We are sharing this episode not only for the sake of reporting, but to start a real campaign to raise awareness about the value of art and the respect it deserves. A heartfelt thank you goes to the police, our security department and the restaurateurs, whose valuable work allowed the recovery of the work. And a special thank you to all of you who walk through the museum halls every day with care, attention and wonder. Because art is not just for seeing. It is to be loved. It is to be protected."
The incident highlights the importance of respecting and preserving cultural artifacts, as well as the need for increased awareness and education about the fragility of such works. According to LBC, the museum’s experience serves as a reminder that "art is not just for seeing, but for preserving and protecting for future generations".
The ‘Van Gogh’ chair, designed by Nicola Bolla, is a unique piece that showcases the artist’s influence on modern design. As reported by LBC, the chair’s crystal covering makes it a delicate and valuable work of art, requiring special care and attention.
In conclusion, the incident at the Maffei Palace serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving cultural artifacts. As LBC reported, the museum’s experience highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the fragility of such works, and the importance of protecting them for future generations.
