Destroyed Art in Italy - Defenders of Art

Fountain of Neptune - Bartolomeo Ammannati - Climbing Damage (2023)

In early September 2023, the historic Fountain of Neptune, a 16th-century monumental sculpture by Bartolomeo Ammannati in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, was damaged by a visitor seeking to take a photograph. A 22-year-old German tourist climbed onto the fountain’s central marble figures, accessing the chariot and horse elements to pose for photos. While climbing down, he broke off a piece of marble and damaged a horse’s hoof. Italian municipal police later identified and located the man using city surveillance footage; he received a hefty fine for his actions.

Primavera – Sandro Botticelli – Glue Protest (2022)

In 2022, members of the environmental group Ultima Generazione glued themselves to the protective glass covering Botticelli’s Primavera at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The attackers left streaks and residue on the glass, disrupting the display and forcing staff to intervene immediately. While the painting itself was not damaged, the incident required careful cleaning and temporarily halted access for museum visitors. The perpetrators were removed and arrested.

Fontana della Barcaccia – Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini – Hooligan Riot (2015)

On February 19, 2015, violent clashes linked to the UEFA Europa League match between Feyenoord Rotterdam and AS Roma resulted in the vandalism of the Fontana della Barcaccia, a 17th-century marble fountain by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located at the base of Rome’s Spanish Steps. Groups of Feyenoord supporters gathered in Piazza di Spagna and threw bottles, stones, and other objects at the fountain, causing chips, cracks, and the loss of marble fragments. Police intervened to disperse the crowd, leading to multiple arrests. The fountain was closed immediately and later underwent extensive restoration by conservation specialists.

Fountain of Neptune - Bartolomeo Ammannati - Hand Damage (2005)

In August 2005, two brothers from Empoli, reportedly intoxicated, climbed Florence’s Fountain of Neptune (Il Biancone) late at night. One fell onto the empty basin, injuring himself, while the statue’s right hand, trident, and part of the base broke into fragments. The pieces were recovered, and restoration was completed the following spring. The city pressed charges, acting as a civil party, and implemented enhanced surveillance to protect the monument from future vandalism. The statue had previously suffered repeated damage, including broken horse legs and climbing incidents.

Michelangelo’s David – Hammer Attack (1991)

In 1991, a visitor struck the toe of Michelangelo’s David with a hammer, chipping the marble and causing visible damage to the masterpiece. The attack was carried out in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, and authorities quickly intervened to stop further destruction. Conservators later repaired the damaged area, but the incident remains one of the most notorious acts of vandalism against a Renaissance sculpture.

Michelangelo’s Pietà – Hammer Attack (1972)

In 1972, László Tóth, a visitor at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, attacked Michelangelo’s Pietà with a hammer. He struck the statue repeatedly, damaging the Virgin Mary’s nose, arm, and eyelid. The assault was carried out in a delusional state, as Tóth claimed he was “Jesus Christ risen from the dead.” Guards quickly subdued him, and conservators undertook extensive restoration to repair the damaged marble. The attack remains one of the most infamous acts of art vandalism in history.