A 5-year-old Polish girl accidentally damaged valuable artwork at an Italian museum after becoming fascinated with a prestigious piece and attempting to interact with it. The incident occurred at the Orler Gallery in Jesolo, Italy, where the young child was visiting with her mother.
The girl was reportedly drawn to a work titled "Superficie bianca" (White Surface) by renowned Italian artist Enrico Castellani, one of the most significant artists of the late 20th century. According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the child appeared to be inspired by the artwork and attempted to draw on the canvas, which is valued at approximately 200,000 euros.
During her attempt to create art on Castellani's piece, the young visitor also accidentally broke a golden sculpture that was displayed in the museum. The incident highlights the challenges museums face in balancing accessibility for young visitors while protecting valuable cultural artifacts.
Enrico Castellani is recognized as a pivotal figure in contemporary Italian art, particularly known for his innovative approach to canvas manipulation and monochromatic works. His pieces are highly sought after by collectors and are considered significant contributions to the art world of the late 1900s, making the damaged works particularly valuable both financially and culturally.