Alessandrini also revealed that while the busts were harmed, the damage was not “particularly bad.” One bust’s head was separated from its pedestal; meanwhile, the other lost an ear and a portion of its nose.
The busts have since been transported to the Vatican Museums’ marble restoration workshop, with plans to display them again soon following their repair.
One question still looms, though– what will this temper tantrum mean for historical art and monument viewing?
According to Mountain Butorac, a frequent visitor of the Museo Chiaramonti, this could sadly mean observing works at a distance.
“One of the beautiful things is that it [the Museo Chiaramonti] allows the visitors to get literally face to face with these ancient sculptures. My fear is that with behavior like this, barriers could be put in place,” Butorac said.
And this man’s behavior is only the latest in a string of summer destruction caused by tourists in Rome.
Back in July, one Canadian tourist carved their name into the Colosseum and was caught in the act.
Other incidences over the past few months included American tourists throwing scooters down the Spanish steps and a Saudi tourist driving his Maserati down them.
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