A significant painting by renowned Abstract Expressionist artist Mark Rothko has been damaged at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The artwork, Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 (1960), sustained minor damage after a child reportedly made scratches on the painting while it was on display at the Depot, a publicly accessible storage facility adjacent to the main museum.
According to a statement from the museum, the scratches are visible on the unvarnished paint layer in the lower section of the piece, though the damage is described as superficial. The museum has confirmed that it is investigating appropriate measures for restoring the painting and expects it will eventually be displayed again.
The museum has sought conservation expertise both domestically and internationally to assess the necessary repairs. However, questions regarding the costs of restoration and who will bear the financial responsibility remain unclear. The museum also stated it would not disclose the painting’s valuation, the potential conservation expenses, or any further developments on the matter. Images of the damage will not be released to the public.
Jonny Helm, a marketing manager at the art restoration company Plowden & Smith, remarked on the broader implications of the incident. He pointed out that the event could impact other institutions planning to open up their collections to the public, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, which is set to launch its V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, London, later this month. “How will this event affect other UK institutions who are opening up their archives in the same way?” Helm questioned.
Rothko’s work continues to be highly valued in the art world. In 2012, his painting Orange Red Yellow (1961) sold for $86.8 million at Christie’s in New York, setting a record for the artist at auction.
