Source: foxnews.com
Image content: The image shows two museum staff members handling a sparkling, beaded or rhinestone-covered chair placed on a small pedestal. They’re wearing gloves and appear to be positioning or conserving the artwork in a gallery, with framed pieces hanging on the wall behind them.
Summary
At Verona’s Palazzo Maffei, a tourist couple posed with Nicola Bolla’s fragile Swarovski crystal–covered “Van Gogh” chair, leading the man to slip and collapse the piece despite clear signage and its placement on a pedestal. Surveillance footage showed the pair timing their photo to avoid security and leaving without reporting the damage. The museum notified police, shared the video to advocate respect for artworks, and ultimately restored the chair with help from authorities and restorers. The incident highlights ongoing challenges museums face with visitor behavior and protecting delicate installations.
Key Points
- Couple damaged Nicola Bolla’s crystal-covered “Van Gogh” chair while posing for photos
- Surveillance showed the pair avoiding security and leaving without alerting staff
- Museum emphasized signage and pedestal indicated the piece was not for sitting
- Chair was successfully restored; costs and consequences remain unclear
- Video release used to urge public respect for artworks and museum rules