A 19-year-old from Texas faces criminal mischief charges after an incident at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday afternoon. Authorities report that the teenager threw water on two centuries-old paintings and tore historic tapestries from a wall, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
The incident occurred around 4:50 p.m. inside the iconic Manhattan museum. The suspect, identified as Joshua Vavrin, was reportedly brought to the authorities by his own mother following the events.
Key Takeaways
- A 19-year-old has been charged with criminal mischief for allegedly vandalizing artworks at The Met.
- Two major paintings, one from the 16th century and another from the 19th, were doused with water.
- Two historic tapestries were also reportedly ripped from the walls during the incident.
- Total damages are estimated at approximately $4,000, according to law enforcement sources.
Details of the Incident
The disturbance took place late Monday afternoon, disrupting the usually tranquil atmosphere of the museum's galleries. According to officials, Joshua Vavrin allegedly targeted two significant pieces in the museum's collection.
One of the artworks was Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres's 19th-century masterpiece, "Princesse de Broglie." The museum itself describes the oil-on-canvas portrait as a highlight of its collection. The second piece was a 16th-century altarpiece, "Madonna and Child with Saints," by the Italian Renaissance painter Girolamo dai Libri.
In both cases, water was thrown onto the canvases. The immediate condition of the paintings and the extent of any long-term harm have not yet been publicly detailed by the museum.
Valuable Artworks Targeted
The two paintings involved in the incident span hundreds of years of European art history and are important fixtures in The Met's collection. Understanding their significance provides context for the severity of the alleged vandalism.
"Princesse de Broglie" by Ingres
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres completed his portrait of Pauline de Broglie in 1853. It is widely regarded as one of the finest portraits of the 19th century and a masterwork of French Neoclassicism. The painting is celebrated for its exquisite detail, particularly in the rendering of the princess's silk and satin gown, and its insightful depiction of its subject.
"Madonna and Child with Saints" by Girolamo dai Libri
This large altarpiece dates to the early 16th century and is a prime example of the Veronese school of painting during the Italian Renaissance. Girolamo dai Libri was known for his vibrant use of color and detailed landscapes, elements that are prominent in this work depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ child flanked by saints.
Such pieces are not only artistically significant but also historically invaluable, representing a direct link to the cultural and religious life of Renaissance Italy.
The Aftermath and Response
Following the water-throwing, Vavrin also allegedly tore two historic tapestries from the museum walls. Law enforcement sources estimate the damage at $1,000 for each of the four affected artworks, bringing the total to $4,000.
A notable detail from the initial reports is the involvement of the suspect's mother. Sources indicate that she was the one who turned her son over to the authorities. It was also noted that Vavrin appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance at the time of the incident.
Protecting Cultural Heritage
Museums like The Met invest heavily in security and conservation to protect priceless artifacts. Incidents of vandalism, while rare, highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing public access with the preservation of irreplaceable cultural treasures. The response and restoration process for damaged works is often a delicate and costly endeavor undertaken by highly specialized conservators.
Vavrin was subsequently arrested and has been charged with criminal mischief. The specific degree of the charge often depends on the monetary value of the damage caused. The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the event is ongoing.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the condition of the artworks or a review of its security protocols. Such incidents often prompt cultural institutions to re-evaluate measures in place to safeguard their collections from intentional damage or accidents.