Van der Helst painting vandalised in Rijksmuseum
Damaged painting to be restored
On Sunday 25 June, the painting 'The Celebration of the Peace of Münster' (1648) by Bartholomeus van der Helst was vandalised in the Rijksmuseum. Damage to the painting does not appear to be serious - only the layer of varnish seems to be affected, by an as yet unknown chemical substance. The painting was vandalised in the afternoon by a 69-year-old man, who has been arrested by the police. The damaged painting has been taken to the restoration studio of the Rijksmuseum's Paintings Department. This was why the Rijksmuseum was closed Monday 26th June until 12 a.m. 'The Meagre Company' (1637) by Frans Hals can now be viewed in the same location of the Philips Wing of the Rijksmuseum.
Download press release
