Young boy damages Magritte painting with pinecone at Israel Museum in Jerusalem

A young boy's accidental throw has led to the temporary removal of René Magritte's "The Castle of the Pyrenees" from public display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The incident occurred when the 5-year-old visitor, exploring the museum with his family, picked up a pinecone from the sculpture garden and, in an impulsive moment, threw it at the renowned painting.

The pinecone struck the 1959 artwork, causing a perforation and damage that necessitated its immediate transfer to the museum's conservation laboratory. "We are used to restoring paintings and objects that arrive in poor condition, including works preserved since the Holocaust," stated Sharon Tager, head of conservation at the museum, as reported by the newspaper Haaretz. She explained that the initial step involves treating the canvas support to address the sagging caused by the hole, followed by re-stitching and repairing the oil paint layers.

"The Castle of the Pyrenees," which joined the museum's permanent collection in 1985, depicts a large rock topped with a castle, suspended above a turbulent sea under a blue sky. The museum acquired the piece from Harry Torczyner, an attorney and writer, who donated it on the museum's 20th anniversary. Torczyner described the artwork as representing hope, with the castle as a fortress above the dark sea.

Notably, the painting was displayed without protective glass or an alarm system to allow visitors a closer, more intimate experience with the artwork. The museum's policy, as described by The Times of Israel, prioritizes allowing visitors to "examine it closely" and "enjoy a unique experience." This approach contrasts with the display of Impressionist paintings, which are protected by high-quality, nearly invisible glass.