In Florence, a tourist damaged a 16th-century painting while taking a selfie.

In the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, a tourist tried to take a selfie next to an exhibition, but stumbled and bumped into the formal portrait of the Grand Duke of Florence Ferdinando de' Medici by Anton Domenico Gabbiani, created in 1690. The painting, which is usually kept at Palazzo Pitti, is now on a temporary exhibition 'Florence and Europe. Art of the 18th Century in the Uffizi.' It was clarified that the damaged lower fragment of the painting is a part depicting the duke's boot.

The gallery administration noted that the damage is minimal. The canvas has already been sent to a restoration workshop, and it is planned to be returned to the hall soon. 'Today, a tourist, who wanted to take a selfie in front of the painting, in a pose like the portrait of Prince de' Medici, damaged the surface of the work. We will establish very strong, additional restrictions to prevent behavior that is incompatible with the purpose of our institutions and respect for cultural heritage,' says gallery director Simone Verde.

A tourist in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence damaged a painting while trying to take a selfie next to an exhibition. The past has remained safe thanks to the quick response of the gallery administration, which has already sent the canvas for restoration and plans to return it to its place soon. The incident reminded everyone of the importance of adhering to the rules of conduct in museum institutions and respecting cultural heritage.