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Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Listicle: 10 priceless artworks damaged by clumsy folks
Janitor sweeps up a trashy installation. Damien Hirst's installation at London's Eyestorm Gallery in 2001 was made out of beer bottles, coffee cups and overflowing ashtrays. How was cleaner Emmanuel Asare to know that it was not a pile of rubbish waiting to be cleared? It happened at Italy's Sala Murat gallery too. In 2014, a cleaner handed over scattered cardboard, newspapers and biscuit pieces to garbage collectors, clueless that the 'rubbish' was a £8,200 work of art. In 2001, a cleaner handed Damien Hirst's installation made of beer bottles and ashtrays to the garbage collector. (INSTAGRAM/@DAMIENHIRST) In 2006, American business magnate Steve Wynn's elbow accidentally pierced Picasso's Le Rêve. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Picasso's mistress gets elbowed in Le Rêve. Poor Picasso! He titled his 1932 painting Le Rêve (The Dream), depicting his mistress Marie T Walter. But he couldn't have dreamt that she'd be shoved by American business magnate and art collector Steve Wynn decades later. In 2006, while showing the painting to his friends, Wynn's elbow accidentally pierced through the canvas, causing a six-inch tear. In 2013, businessman Steve Cohen purchased the restored painting for $155 million. In 2022, a bored guard doodled eyes on the faces of Anna Leporskaya's 1930s work Three Figures. (BORIS YELTSIN PRESIDENTIAL CENTRE) Guard doodles on Three Figures. It was his first day working at Russia's Boris Yeltsin Presidential Centre in 2022. He was a war veteran. He was bored. So, Alexander Vasilyev took a ballpoint pen and doodled two pairs of eyes on the featureless faces of Anna Leporskaya's 1930s work. He thought he was improving on a child's drawing. He ended up vandalising a historic canvas and was sentenced to 180 hours of compulsory labour and psychiatric evaluation. Rembrandt's The Night Watch (1642) has survived one acid and two knife attacks. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Rembrandt's The Night Watch, a psycho's fav. The Dutch master's 1642 oil painting has had its sides cut to fit the wall in Amsterdam Town Hall. Worse, it bore knife attacks in 1911 and again in 1975, when a mentally unstable Dutchman sliced it zig zag with a knife, claiming that he was on a 'divine mission' at the 'behest of God!' In 1990, a runaway psychiatric patient sprayed it with sulphuric acid. Thank heavens for protective varnish! In 2006, a visitor stumbled down the stairs, shattering Chinese Qing dynasty vases worth £100,000. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Visitor smashes ancient Chinese vases. Nick Flynn tripping over his untied shoelace spelled doom for three 17th-century Chinese Qing dynasty vases. He tumbled down the stairs of the UK's Fitzwilliam Museum in 2006, crashing into them. They were worth about £100,000 and uninsured. He got arrested. But he blamed the museum for their 'careless' display. Visitors flocked to the crash site as news spread. He took credit for increasing museum footfall too. In 2009, a worker at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Corsica sat on Napoleon's historic chair and broke it. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Worker tests the weight of Napoleon's chair. In 2009, a worker at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Corsica couldn't resist the temptation of sitting on a 200-year-old exhibit – a folding chair – that Napoleon Bonaparte had often used. The historic chair had lasted numerous heavy-weight military campaigns and had stayed intact. But its red leather seat and wooden frame crumbled under the weight of a mere security guard. Luckily, restorers were able to salvage it. In 2016, two teens engraved in white over a faded 5000-year-old Scandinavian rock illustration. (SHUTTERSTOCK) Teens add highlights to 5000-year-old Scandinavian rock art. The two meant well. They just wanted the faded 5000-year-old illustration depicting a skiing man to be clearly visible to visitors at a Norwegian island. So, in 2016, they engraved in white over its faded outline. The damage is unfortunately irreversible. The oldest known evidence of the sport, which inspired the logo for the 1994 Winter Olympics, exists now only in photos. Last month, one man broke Nicola Bolla's Swarovski crystal-studded Van Gogh Chair by sitting on it. (INSTAGRAM/@PALAZZOMAFFEIVERONA) Crystal chair crushes photo op. This happened only last month. Contemporary sculptor Nicola Bolla's Van Gogh Chair laden with hundreds of Swarovski crystals was on view at Verona's Palazzo Maffei in Italy. One man tried to pose half-seated on the bejewelled chair while his companion took a picture. He lost his balance and broke the chair's seat and legs. Security cameras caught them fleeing before the staff found out. The chair has since been restored. In 2020, an art critic accidentally wrecked Gabriel Rico's $20K installation by placing a soda can next to it. (INSTAGRAM/@GALERIAOMR) Critic shatters Gabriel Rico's installation. On the one hand, a work that featured household objects such as a feather and football poking through a large pane of glass. On the other, a respected art critic who disliked the work. Avelina Lésper was at the Zona Maco Art Fair in Mexico City in 2020 when she placed a soda can near Rico's $20,000 work. The reverb caused it to shatter. The damage was unintentional. 'It was like the work heard my comment and felt what I thought of it,' she told reporters. A visitor tried to mimic Ferdinando de' Medici's pose for a picture. He tripped, and ripped the artwork. (UFFIZI GALLERY) Meme misfires on Gabbiani's Baroque masterpiece. Baroque painter Anton Domenico Gabbiani and his portrait's subject Ferdinando de' Medici are long dead. But their expressed their disapproval from the beyond last month, when a visitor leaned against the portrait at Florence's Uffizi Gallery, mimicking the Tuscan prince's pose. The man tripped and fell backwards on the canvas, causing a rip in the 1712 work. Italy is considering new rules for selfies. Not a moment too soon. From HT Brunch, July 12, 2025 Follow us on
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Associated Press
Kinboat Takes You to Amsterdam's Must-See Attractions
02/12/2025, Prinsengracht, Amsterdam // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is a city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and unique experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys exploring picturesque canals, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Here's a guide to the must-see attractions that should be on your list when visiting this charming city. Take a Canal Cruise No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a boat tour through its iconic canals. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city boasts over 100 kilometers of canals that weave through historic neighborhoods. A canal cruise Amsterdam offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam's 17th-century architecture and allows you to relax while enjoying the views. Opt for a daytime tour for picturesque scenery or a nighttime cruise to see the city lit up romantically. Visit The Anne Frank House The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam's most moving and important landmarks. This museum, located in the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, tells the story of Anne's life and the horrors of the Holocaust. Walking through the hidden annex and seeing Anne's diary in person is an emotional and unforgettable experience. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as it's one of the city's most popular attractions. Explore The Rijksmuseum Art and history lovers will find paradise at the Rijksmuseum. This world-renowned museum is home to an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. The museum's crowning jewel is Rembrandt's The Night Watch, which is displayed in all its grandeur. Beyond paintings, the museum also houses historical artifacts, sculptures, and stunning gardens. Wander Through The Jordaan Neighborhood The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most charming and picturesque districts, renowned for its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Once a working-class neighborhood, the area has undergone a fascinating transformation into a trendy yet authentically Dutch enclave. It's the perfect place to wander aimlessly, letting yourself get lost in its labyrinth of streets and discovering hidden gems at every turn. Stumble upon quaint courtyards, explore local art galleries that showcase the creativity of Amsterdam's artists, or shop at unique stores offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage treasures. When you're ready for a break, settle into a canal-side cafe with a coffee or traditional Dutch apple pie, and watch the world go by. Experience The Van Gogh Museum Art lovers won't want to miss the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and works of one of the most famous artists in history. The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh's works, including iconic pieces like The Starry Night (study), Sunflowers, and The Bedroom. The exhibits offer a deep dive into Van Gogh's turbulent life, creative process, and the emotions behind his masterpieces. For an unforgettable day, consider combining your museum visit with a Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Many canal tours offer convenient stops near the Museumplein, where the Van Gogh Museum is located, allowing you to seamlessly transition from admiring his art to enjoying Amsterdam's scenic waterways. The tranquil ambiance of the canals perfectly complements the introspective beauty of Van Gogh's work, creating a truly inspiring experience.
The Guardian
31-01-2025
- The Guardian
Anger in Romania over theft of Dacian artefacts from Dutch museum
Hours before the sun rose over the Netherlands, the group crowded around the large external door, appearing to pry it open. Seconds later, the grainy security video appeared to show a powerful explosion, sending plumes of smoke and sparks into the air, and the thieves rush into the museum in the north-eastern city of Assen. Minutes later they were gone. But the mystery of what exactly took place during their few minutes in the Drents Museum – and what came afterwards – has left officials in the Netherlands scrambling for answers, and prompted a row that has stretched to the other side of Europe. The daring heist took place last Saturday, with police saying they were notified at 3.45am local time. By then, the thieves had made off with a handful of objects, including the near-2,500-year-old gold Helmet of Coțofenești – one of Romania's most revered national treasures. Three gold bracelets dating from 50BC were also taken. The items were part of an exhibit – featuring more than 600 artefacts on loan – that had sought to offer visitors a glimpse of the glory of the Dacia civilisation, an ancient agrarian society that once thrived in what is today Romania. The helmet, in particular, had long been celebrated across Romania as a symbol of the country's rich history, its image gracing school history textbooks, postage stamps and even a gold coin issued by the country's national bank. 'The helmet is one of the most popular and well-known ancient gold objects in Romania,' said Andrea Teunissen-Oprea, the honorary consul for Romania in the Netherlands. 'Some people here are saying that it's as if the Dutch would wake up and discover that [Rembrandt's] The Night Watch was missing from the museum.' Dramatically studded and adorned with intricate designs that depict a lamb being sacrificed and mythical creatures such as a griffin, the helmet was believed to have been used during ceremonies. 'It is unique in the world,' said Teunissen-Oprea. 'Because there are no written documents from this period, the archaeological discoveries are incredibly important for Romania.' News of the heist had set off an 'uproar' across Romania, she said, as mourning over the potential loss of the objects gave way to fury among the art world, politicians and media. 'Even in our most pessimistic dreams, we would not have believed this to be possible,' said the director of Romania's National History Museum, Ernest Oberländer-Târnoveanu, earlier this week. He was sacked from his role amid anger that the objects had been loaned out. The prime minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, mused about claiming 'unprecedented damages' from the Dutch museum. He alleged that it was not sufficiently guarded – a claim the Drents Museum rebuffed – as he sprang into action, announcing that Romania would send a team of experts including forensic police officers to help with the investigation, while the loan of the objects would be probed domestically. 'This is a very serious situation,' he wrote on social media, 'but this robbery, which must be resolved swiftly, must not become fuel for the spread of all kinds of conspiracy theories by those who aim to make easy political capital.' The comment appeared to be a reference to Romania's far-right AUR movement. Emboldened after its strong showing in the presidential and parliamentary elections in late 2024, the party had seized on the theft to call for government resignations. The robbery was 'a direct attack on our national history and identity', it said. Sign up to This is Europe The most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment after newsletter promotion In the Netherlands, the theft set off a frantic search. Dozens of detectives and specialist officers combed through the scores of tips that had poured into a dedicated hotline. On Wednesday, after a days-long manhunt, police said they had arrested three people. 'The suspects are held under strict conditions and are being questioned about their role in the heist,' said Dutch police, who also released a photograph of another suspect and noted that they had not ruled out further arrests. The Drents Museum described the arrests as offering a glimmer of hope. 'We are awaiting further developments with bated breath,' it said in a statement. 'The recovery without damage would be, for all, a fantastic next step. Not only for us, but also for the Romanian population.' Police said the focus was now on recovering the stolen artefacts. It was in some ways a race against time, as the global headlines over the heist meant the objects were likely now too well-known to be sold as they were, sparking fears the thieves would destroy the priceless objects in a bid to sell what might amount to only about 1kg of gold. It would be a relatively small payoff for such a daring feat, said Teunissen-Oprea. 'There's really a question of why they did it. Why only those four things? Because there were 600 other things there.' She was among the many frantically hoping that the pieces would be found intact. 'We are praying that the pieces are found and not melted down,' she said. 'It would be a huge loss not only for Romania, but for the entire cultural heritage of Europe.'
