A tourist couple caused damage to the renowned "Van Gogh Chair," a masterpiece adorned with an array of sparkling crystals, while visiting the Palazzo Maffei in Verona, Italy. Last Thursday, the museum released footage capturing a man and woman posing for photos as they mimicked sitting on the chair, which is embellished with machine-cut and polished Swarovski crystals.
In surveillance footage shared by the museum, the man is seen losing his balance and collapsing onto the chair, crushing it beneath him. Authorities reported that the couple fled the scene before museum staff noticed the incident. The police have been alerted, but the couple remains unidentified.
"Sometimes we lose our heads to take a photo and forget about the consequences," remarked museum director Vanessa Carlon. Although this mishap occurred in April, the Palazzo Maffei revealed the footage on June 12.
The Making and Meaning of the Van Gogh Chair
Crafted by Italian artist Nicola Bolla, the chair pays homage to Vincent van Gogh by referencing the Dutch artist's famous painting of a simple chair. Despite its seemingly sturdy appearance, art historian Carlotta Menegazzo explained that the chair's structure is mostly hollow and held together with aluminum foil.
"There was a note on the chair warning people not to touch it, and it sat on a pedestal, making it obvious it’s not a real chair," she clarified. The incident left two legs and the main seat broken, but Menegazzo noted that significant restoration efforts have successfully returned the piece to its original state.
Preserving Art and Its Fragility
Since its opening in 2020, the Palazzo Maffei has showcased 650 pieces, including works by Picasso and ancient Egyptian art. Carlon hopes that publicizing the surveillance footage will not be viewed negatively. Instead, she aims to highlight the need for greater respect when visiting art spaces, museums, or churches, emphasizing the inherent fragility of art.
"We must cherish and respect art because it is incredibly delicate," she added.
FAQs on the Van Gogh Chair Incident
What happened to the Van Gogh Chair at the Palazzo Maffei?
A tourist couple accidentally damaged the chair while posing for photos, causing it to collapse. The chair has since been restored.
Who created the Van Gogh Chair?
The chair was created by Italian artist Nicola Bolla and is decorated with Swarovski crystals.
Why is it called the Van Gogh Chair?
The chair is named after Vincent van Gogh as a tribute to his painting of a simple chair.