The protest by two environmental activists who stuck their hands on a painting in the Old Masters Painting Gallery in Dresden (Germany) has resulted in costs of up to 12,000 euros, according to estimates by the State Art Collections Dresden (SKD).
The activists glued their hands to the frame of the ‘Sistine Madonna’, the most famous work in the collection of paintings. The painting, from the 16th century and protected by glass, was not damaged, but not the frame, which will cost between 3,000 and 5,000 euros to repair.
This money is in addition to another 7,000 euros in lost revenue, as the museum had to close after this incident.
The Dresden State Art Collections has banned the two activists from visiting any of its 15 museums in the future and has filed a criminal complaint, which is in addition to another lawsuit for damages. The Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office admits that the investigation opened for «property damage detrimental to the community» will take some time.
