A significant work by Latvian-American abstract artist Mark Rothko, valued at tens of millions, has been taken off display at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam after being damaged by a visiting child. The painting, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, measures 2.3 metres by 2.5 metres and was on exhibit at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen while the main museum undergoes renovations.
The damage occurred when the child scratched the painting, leading museum conservators to announce that repairs will be necessary. According to a statement from the museum, the scratches are visible in the unvarnished paint layer at the bottom of the artwork. Conservation specialists both in the Netherlands and internationally have been consulted as museum officials look into the best course for restoration. The museum anticipates that the piece will eventually return to public viewing.
Despite the painting’s estimated value of €50 million (approximately $88 million), the museum has not disclosed the exact worth or the potential cost of repairs, nor who will be responsible for these expenses. Rothko, who passed away in 1970, is renowned for his colour field paintings, and his works consistently command high prices at auction; for instance, one of his pieces sold for $36 million recently.
The incident has sparked conversations about the balance museums seek to strike in inviting families and young children to engage with art, often through dedicated programmes. However, such interactions can occasionally lead to unpredictable outcomes, as evidenced by this unfortunate episode.