An 18th-century oil painting at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery has reportedly sustained damage after a museum visitor’s selfie attempt ended in a fall.
The incident involved a tourist attempting to create a “meme” in front of Anton Domenico Gabbiani’s portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany. The museum confirmed the damage is repairable, but director Simone Verde issued a warning about potential future restrictions on visitor behavior.
Verde stated, “The problem of visitors coming to museums to make memes or take selfies for social media is rampant. We will implement precise limitations, preventing conduct incompatible with the dignity of our institutions and the respect for cultural heritage.”
The portrait was part of the “Florence and Europe: Arts of the Eighteenth Century” exhibition. Authorities have identified the visitor, who has been reported to the judicial authorities. The exhibition, featuring approximately 150 artworks, is temporarily closed until July 2nd, allowing for the painting’s restoration. It will then resume as scheduled until November 28th.
This incident follows a similar event earlier this year at Verona’s Palazzo Maffei, where a visitor damaged a bejewelled chair while attempting a photo opportunity. Museum director Vanessa Carlon commented on the increasing trend of reckless behavior in the name of social media, emphasizing the lack of responsibility demonstrated by those involved.
The Uffizi Gallery incident has sparked considerable online debate, with many expressing anger and calling for stricter measures to protect cultural artifacts. The unrelated final paragraphs have been removed as they are not relevant to the main topic.