A five-year-old girl caused a spectacular incident at the Orler Gallery in Jesolo, near Venice, Italy, when she broke a valuable gold sculpture while attempting to draw on an expensive artwork. The child climbed onto a 24-carat gold spider sculpture and shattered it in her effort to reach a canvas valued at approximately $215,000.
The incident occurred when the young visitor was inspired to create her own artwork on a piece by renowned Italian artist Enrico Castellani. The canvas she was attempting to draw on was estimated to be worth around 200,000 euros, making it one of the gallery's most valuable pieces on display.
In her attempt to reach the high-hanging canvas, the child used a golden spider sculpture as a stepping stone. The sculpture, crafted from 24-carat gold and valued at approximately 30,000 euros (about $32,000), was unable to support her weight and broke under the pressure. The incident transformed what began as innocent childhood inspiration into an expensive catastrophe for the gallery.
The Orler Gallery, located in the popular tourist destination of Jesolo near Venice, regularly displays high-value contemporary artworks. The gallery's proximity to Venice makes it a frequent stop for tourists and art enthusiasts visiting the region. Such incidents, while rare, highlight the challenges galleries face in balancing public access to art with the preservation of valuable works.
The aftermath of the incident raises questions about supervision and security measures at art galleries, particularly when it comes to protecting both visitors and priceless artworks. While the specific details of insurance coverage and liability have not been disclosed, the incident serves as a costly reminder of the unpredictable nature of public art exhibitions.
