16th-century masterpiece damaged by tourist at Italian museum
While visiting a museum in Brescia, a tourist stumbled and damaged a priceless painting from the 16th century. The artwork was not properly secured, reports the Ansa news agency. The incident occurred at the Santa Giulia Museum, which was showcasing the piece to tourists this autumn. Now, the painting requires an expensive restoration again.
During a visit to the museum in Brescia, northern Italy, a tourist stumbled and fell onto a painting from the 16th century, damaging it. The artwork was not secured—reported Ansa. The incident took place at the Santa Giulia Museum.
The woman lost her balance and while falling, leaned on a painting by Renaissance artist Moretto from Brescia, actually Alessandro Bonvicino, tearing the canvas in the right corner.
Fortunately, the visitor was unharmed. Such things happen, especially since the exhibition is currently attracting a large number of visitors - said Stefano Karadjov, director of the Brescia Museums Foundation.
The museum assured that the damage can be repaired and no irreversible harm was done. The loss is estimated at several thousand euros, and this sum will be covered by insurance. There's a chance the painting can be restored and returned to the exhibition later this year.
The artwork was displayed last October after extensive conservation efforts. The expert who carried out the work was immediately called to the museum. The painting, created between 1522 and 1524, was not protected by a glass cover or any other means.
Data confirms that Italy enjoyed a record number of tourists last year, surpassing not only the previous year’s statistics but also those from the last year before the pandemic. Italy recorded 134 million tourist arrivals—a 2.3% increase from 2019 (+3 million), as well as 450 million overnight stays—a 3.3% increase.
There are so many tourists that residents of Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan are starting to protest. They are demanding changes in regulations from authorities to ensure that daily life is not overwhelmed by thousands of tourists.
