19 hours Ago By DC Correspondent
Dutch curators are assessing the damage and exploring restoration options after a child accidentally scratched a $56 million Mark Rothko painting at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam. The artwork, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 , by American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, was reportedly touched by a child during an unsupervised moment, resulting in several visible scratches.
According to a museum spokesperson, the incident affected the lower part of the painting, which is composed of unvarnished paint — making it especially sensitive to contact and damage. "The work by Rothko has suffered damage: a number of visible scratches in the unvarnished paint layer," the museum confirmed in a statement. The extent of the damage and whether the painting can be fully restored is currently under review.
Conservation experts are working closely with the curatorial team to determine the "next steps" in the restoration process. The museum did not release details about the child or whether any guardians would be held accountable, though it emphasized the importance of supervision and respect for art in public spaces. The incident has prompted calls for tighter security measures around high-value artworks, especially in family-friendly institutions.
Rothko’s paintings are known for their emotional depth, meditative color fields, and minimalist style. His works have commanded some of the highest prices in the art world, with several exceeding tens of millions at auction. Grey, Orange on Maroon, No.
8 is considered a significant example of Rothko’s mature period, and its presence in the museum’s collection has drawn art lovers from around the world. The painting remains temporarily removed from public view while assessments continue. Museum officials are expected to release further updates on the artwork’s condition in the coming days.
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