The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam is assessing damage to Mark Rothko's painting, Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at €50 million, after a child scratched the piece during an unguarded moment. Experts are evaluating treatment options and highlighting the challenges associated with restoring modern art.
Child Accidentally Damages €50 Million Rothko Painting at Dutch Museum
Child Accidentally Damages €50 Million Rothko Painting at Dutch Museum
A child caused superficial damage to Mark Rothko's notable artwork during a visit to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, igniting discussions about art safety and conservation efforts.
A child has inadvertently damaged Mark Rothko's valuable painting, Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at approximately €50 million, while visiting the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The museum confirmed that the incident occurred during an "unguarded moment," leading to visible scratches on the unvarnished paint layer of the artwork, which is part of an exhibition displaying popular pieces from the museum's collection.
A spokesperson for the museum indicated that while the damage is deemed "superficial," it is currently evaluating potential treatment options. Conservation efforts are being sought from both domestic and international experts to ensure the painting can be restored and displayed again in the future. Sophie McAloone, a conservation manager, described how modern unvarnished paintings are particularly vulnerable to damage due to their complex materials and the susceptibility of flat color fields to damage.
The incident has broader implications for art institutions not only in the Netherlands but globally, particularly in the UK, where institutions like V&A East are considering expanding public access to previously archived pieces. Jonny Helm, a marketing manager at an art restoration service, pointed out the potential concerns regarding displaying more artworks without adequate safeguards.
Restoring works by Rothko can be particularly challenging, as the artist employed a complex mix of materials. The museum has not disclosed how liability for the damage will be handled, though it has a history of billing visitors for damage caused to artworks. The museum previously asked a tourist to pay for repairs after an accidental incident damaged another artwork.
This incident brings to light the ongoing challenges art institutions face in balancing public engagement with the preservation of valuable artworks. Similar incidents in the past have occurred, such as the vandalism of Rothko's Black on Maroon in 2012 at Tate Modern, which involved deliberate damage rather than accidental incidents.
Art insurance policies typically cover damages caused by visitors, including children, but each museum's response policy varies. Some institutions, like the Hecht Museum in Israel, have opted for a more lenient approach for accidental damage caused by young visitors, while others follow stricter guidelines regarding holds on liability.
As discussions surrounding art conservation and public access continue, the museum works to determine the best course of action for Rothko's damaged masterpiece amid evolving cultural and market landscapes concerning the protection of artistic treasures.
