What happens when a curious child meets a priceless painting?
At a museum in Rotterdam, the answer came in the form of tiny scratches on a Mark Rothko masterpiece.
Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8, valued at a staggering €50 million.
The museum called it an “unguarded moment.”
The artwork, on display in an open-access depot, wasn’t protected by a traditional varnish, making it especially vulnerable.
“Even the smallest scratches can throw off the viewing experience,” said Sophie McAloone, a conservation expert.
And with Rothko’s signature flat fields of color, there’s no hiding a blemish.
What About The Restoration?
It won’t be easy. Jonny Helm from Plowden & Smith explained that Rothko’s materials were notoriously complex.
No quick fixes here—only detailed analysis, delicate work, and perhaps a few prayers.
Insurance may cover the damage, but who’s paying?
That’s still unclear. This isn’t the first time the museum has billed a visitor for damage.
Ask the tourist who stepped on the infamous peanut butter floor in 2011.
So, should museums rethink how close they let us get to masterpieces?
