Posted on 10/07/2007 5:39:56 PM PDT by monkapotamus
Intruders seriously damage a renowned work by Monet at Paris' Orsay Museum
Cecile Almendros, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Sun Oct 7, 1:43 PM ET
PARIS - Intruders entered the Orsay Museum early Sunday and punched a hole in a renowned work by Impressionist painter Claude Monet, "Le Pont d'Argenteuil," the French Culture Minister said.
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A surveillance camera caught a group entering the museum, located on the Left Bank of the French capital along the Seine River and housing a major collection of Impressionist artists like Monet.
An alarm sounded and the group left, but not before damaging the painting, an aide to Culture Minister Christine Albanel said by telephone.
No arrests were immediately made.
Albanel told France-Info radio that the painting could be restored, but she deplored what she said was an attack on "our memory, our heritage."
"This splendid Monet painting (was) punched right in the middle," the minister said with emotion.
According to the aide, a 10-centimetre tear was made in the Monet, perhaps with a fist. The official, not authorized to speak publicly of the matter, asked not to be named.
It was not immediately clear how many people were in the group that broke into the museum.
Monet led the 19th century Impressionist movement, experimenting notably with light and colour in works now deemed priceless.
"Le Pont d'Argenteuil" shows a view of the Seine at a rural bend, featuring a bridge and boats.
Albanel told France-Info that she would doubtless seek improved security in museums and stronger sanctions against those who desecrate art. "This is not tolerable," she said.
The break-in occurred as Paris held its annual all-night festival, which brings thousands of people into the streets for music, exhibits and fun.
ping
le pathetic. seriously
Savages.
Muzzzzzzz and n african yoots
Were the perps immigrants?
Why? If they were not, that makes it ok?
Bastards.
No it doesn’t make it ok, but it would most assuredly differentiate the motive . If it was Muzzies, then it would indicate another full frontal assault on Western culture .
The punishment should be swift and harsh .
Theo Van Gogh and similar incidents are only serving to infuriate certain factions of the Euro Left , which in turn is leading to the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment ... definately a positive trend for the Europeans .
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Ping to savagery.
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