An Italian museum has made an urgent plea for visitors to "respect art" after a couple was recorded inadvertently breaking a chair embellished with hundreds of glittering crystals. The incident took place at Palazzo Maffei in Verona, where footage revealed a man and woman posing for pictures, pretending to sit on the chair dubbed the “Van Gogh” chair. While taking their photos, the man slipped and fell onto the chair, damaging it beyond repair.
Museum staff reported that the couple left the location without acknowledging the incident, which has since prompted authorities to investigate. The museum's director, Vanessa Carlon, remarked, “Sometimes we lose our brains to take a picture, and we don't think about the consequences,” highlighting the couple's departure as troubling.
The damaged chair, crafted by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and adorned with Swarovski crystals, is a tribute to Vincent van Gogh’s iconic representation of a simple chair. While museum officials did not disclose its financial value, they emphasized that its worth is substantial and irreplaceable.
Art historian Carlotta Menegazzo explained that the chair's structure, although appearing sturdy, is largely hollow and constructed with foil. Despite the damage—two legs and the main seat were compromised—Menegazzo noted that restoration efforts had been successful, allowing the piece to return to its original display.
Since its opening in 2020, the Palazzo Maffei has exhibited over 650 artworks, including pieces from Picasso and various ancient Egyptian artifacts. Although Carlon acknowledges that the majority of patrons are respectful, she hopes that this incident will serve as a cautionary tale to inspire a deeper appreciation and care for artworks in museums, churches, and other cultural sites.
