Italy museum visitor damages 300-year-old painting while trying to take a selfie

A man visiting a museum in Florence, Italy, damaged an 18th-century painting after stumbling backwards while trying to take a selfie.

According to BBC, the incident is believed to have occurred at the Uffizi Gallery.

On Jun. 22, a video posted by Italian media ANSA on X shows the moment the man leans back and crashes into the artwork.

The visitor was reportedly posing for a photo when he lost his balance and fell into a portrait of Ferdinand de’ Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany.

According to The Guardian, it was painted by Anton Domenico Gabbiani in 1712.

Another photo published by local media shows visible damage to the painting, including tears in the canvas.

The man was identified by museum staff and reported to the police, The Star reported.

Museum says painting can be repaired

Fortunately, the museum shared that the damage was not severe and can be repaired.

The painting has since been taken down for restoration.

“We will set very clear limits, prohibiting behaviours that are incompatible with the purpose of our institutions and the respect owed to cultural heritage,” Uffizi Gallery director Simone Verde told ANSA.

Earlier this year, two visitors reportedly broke a chair in another Italian museum while attempting to pose for a photo as if sitting on it.

Top photo from ANSA/X and Corriere Fiorentino