A visitor at Florence’s renowned Uffizi Galleries caused damage to a 17th-century painting while attempting to take a photograph. The incident occurred as the individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, stumbled back into the artwork—a portrait of Tuscan prince Ferdinando de’ Medici, created by Anton Domenico Gabbiani between 1695 and 1700.
Security footage captured the moment the visitor, initially posing in front of the painting, accidentally leaned backwards, resulting in a small tear around the nobleman’s ankle. Local media later published images showing the damage. Following the event, museum authorities reported the matter and promptly removed the painting from exhibit for repairs. Thankfully, the damage was classified as “light,” and the Uffizi Galleries plans to display the artwork again soon.
Simone Verde, the gallery’s director, expressed concern over the behaviour of some museum visitors who focus on taking selfies and creating social media content instead of appreciating the art. In light of this incident, Verde announced intentions to enforce stricter guidelines to ensure respectful conduct and protection of cultural heritage within the museum.
This incident highlights a growing trend, where visitors inadvertently harm art while striving to capture the perfect photo. Just a week prior, a crystal-encrusted chair inspired by a famous Van Gogh painting sustained damage when a tourist sat on it for a photograph in a Verona museum. Similarly, earlier in April, a child accidentally damaged a valuable Mark Rothko painting worth millions while visiting a Dutch museum.
The focus on personal social media narratives often overshadows the core purpose of visiting such cultural institutions, prompting calls for greater awareness and accountability among exhibition-goers.