Mark Rothko's canvas scratched by a child

A prized painting by Mark Rothko, titled Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8 (1960), was damaged by a child at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. The incident occurred in the Depot, a public storage facility adjacent to the main building, during an "unguarded moment," according to the museum.

The painting, valued at approximately €50 million (roughly $57 million), sustained superficial but visible damage in the form of small scratches to the unvarnished paint layer in the lower section of the canvas. The museum is currently researching the next steps for the treatment of the painting and expects it will be able to be shown again in the future.

In a press statement, the museum indicated that conservation expertise has been sought both within and outside the Netherlands to address the damage. However, the museum did not provide information on the valuation of the painting, the potential costs associated with its conservation, or the further handling of the matter. Additionally, images of the damage will not be circulated.

Despite the incident, the museum remains optimistic that the Rothko painting will be restored and displayed again in the future.