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Five Busted in Monet Vandalism

One in drunken pack had link to museum

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 10, 2007 5:06 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Four men and a woman have been arrested for allegedly punching a hole in a Monet masterpiece at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. One admitted damaging the painting, and another knew how to access the building through a rear entrance because of a work history with the institution, police said. The apparently drunken intruders were caught on video breaking in, attacking "Le Pont d'Argenteuil" and fleeing as an alarm sounded.

The vandals left a 4-inch gash in the canvas. The damage occurred as thousands thronged Paris for Nuit Blanche or the "White Night" festival when free art events are staged until dawn. France's rugby victory over New Zealand the same night sparked raucous street celebrations. France's cultural minister has called for tougher measures against art vandals.

A 10-centimeter (nearly 4-inch) tear is seen in renowned work by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Le Pont d'Argenteuil, at the Orsay Museum in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, after intruders entered the museum early Sunday and seriously damaged the painting. A surveillance camera caught a group entering the museum, housing...
A 10-centimeter (nearly 4-inch) tear is seen in renowned work by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, "Le Pont d'Argenteuil," at the Orsay Museum in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, after intruders entered...   (Associated Press)
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay   (Getty Images)
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay   (Magnum Photos)
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay   (KRT Photos)
Renowned work by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, La Pont d'Argenteuil, is photographed at the Orsay Museum in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, after intruders entered the museum early Sunday and seriously damaged the painting. A surveillance camera caught a group entering the museum, housing a major collection of Impressionist artists...
Renowned work by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, "La Pont d'Argenteuil," is photographed at the Orsay Museum in Paris, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, after intruders entered the museum early Sunday and seriously...   (Associated Press)
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Footage of the gallery where painting was punched
Reuters

Government seeks tougher penalties for art vandals
Reuters

Commentary: Is vandalizing art ever justified?
Guardian (UK)

 
France • art • painting • vandals • arrest • Monet

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