The incident occurred at the thematic exhibition space "Florence and Europe: 18th Century Art" of the Uffizi Museum of Art in Florence, Italy on June 21.
According to Corriere Fiorentino, the tourists (identities not yet announced) tried to impersonate the pose of the character Ferdinando de' Medici in a famous painting by artist Anton Domenico Gabbiani.
However, the bold idea quickly became an embarrassing accident when this man lost his balance and turned back. He accidentally hit his back on the painting, causing the fabric near the boat on the right in the painting to peel.
Museum staff immediately intervened and identified the person who affected the painting. The incident was reported to the police.
The painting was then removed for experts to recover. Initial assessments show that the extent of damage is relatively minor and can be remedied.
However, the incident still angered the museum's board, raising concerns about the inappropriate behavior of a number of visitors.
According to the museum staff representative, the direct cause of visitors falling was due to a low barrier - which was installed to keep a safe distance between visitors and artworks.
Customers often only pay attention to the painting, not the ground. Such canvases are too dark and inappropriate, said Silvia Barlacchi, a museum representative.
Museum director Simone Verde affirmed: The phenomenon of visitors coming to museums to film comedy videos and create virtual photoshoots has become alarmingly popular.
We will apply stricter regulations to prevent acts that go against the educational purposes and cultural significance of museums.
This is not the first time museums in Italy have had to face incidents due to unconscious behavior of tourists.
Last week, in the city of Verona, a tourist sat on a "Van Gogh" chair decorated with crystals on display at Maffei Palace - causing serious damage to the work.
In the context of the strong return of international tourists after the pandemic, unconscious behavior in the cultural space continues to be an alarming issue at many famous destinations in Italy and Europe.
From greasing the ancient citadel walls, engraving the names on the relics, to destroying works of art, many tourists have been heavily fined and even faced with legal proceedings.
In April, a young tourist damaged a giant painting by Mark Rothko, believed to be worth tens of millions of dollars, while visiting a museum in the Netherlands.
People who pass through the museum are not just visitors - they need to become preservers, the Uffizi museum spokesperson emphasized. Art is not just for sightseeing. Art needs to be loved and protected.
