EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 37 MIN
Strange Stories: Cracked Van Gogh
from Severed | True Crime Podcast
We discuss the accidental-to-intentional damage of artwork by museumgoers and social or political protestors from Italy to Paris. We primarily focus on Nicola Bolla’s Van Gogh-inspired, Swarovski crystal-encrusted chair in the Palazzo Maffei in Verona. CW | TW: This episode discusses the accidental to intentional destruction of private property or ownership. Profanity likely included. Listener discretion is advised.Email: [email protected]: severedpodcast.comInstagram: @severed_podcastTik Tok: @severedpodcastHosts: Harry Chambers + Drew HudsonLogo Art: Drew HudsonTheme Song Composer | Podcast Editor: Harry ChambersShow Concept | Researcher | Lead Writer: Drew HudsonAvailable on all podcast platforms, including Rogue Media Network and Radio Garden StateSourcesNews Clip: Tourist Breaks Nicola Bolla’s ‘Van Gogh’ Chair By Sitting On It (ABC 7 Chicago)CCTV Footage: “Moment Tourist Shatters Crystal-Coated Chair Artwork in Museum” (YouTube Short)Museum: Palazzo Maffei (palazzomaffeiverona.com)Artsy Profile: Nicola Bolla (Artsy; artsy.net)HENI Profile: Nicola Bolla (HENI; heni.com)Van Gogh’s Chair Profile: Van Gogh’s Chair Portrait (The National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk)Article: “Visitors Break Crystal Chair in Sit-and-Run at Italian Museum” by Claire Moses (NYT; nytimes.com)Article: “Visitor Smashes Crystal-Covered ‘Van Gogh’ Chair At Italian Museum” by News Desk (ArtForum; artforum.com)Article: “Museum’s Plea After Couple Break Crystal-Covered Chair” by Joshua Cheetham (BBC; bbc.com)Article: “Museumgoers Accidentally Break Fragile Crystal-Covered Chair Inspired by Vincent van Gogh Painting” by Sonja Anderson (Smithsonian; smithsonian.org)Article: “Hours After the Protesters Who Threw Soup at a Van Gogh Were Sentenced, Three More Activists Repeated the Stunt” by Sonja Anderson (Smithsonian; smithsonian.org)Article: “Climate Activists Throw Soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’” by Sonja Anderson (Smithsonian; smithsonian.org)Article: “Museumgoer Posing for Photo Stumbles Into Portrait of Medici Prince, Damaging the Historic Painting” by Aurora Martinez (Smithsonian; smithsonian.org)Article: “Museum’s CCTV Shows Moment Visitor Broke Artwork By Sitting On It” by Billy Stockwell (CNN; cnn.com)Article: “Tourists Break ‘Van Gogh’Chair, By Nicola Bolla, By Sitting On It” by Maxwell Rabb (Artsy; Artsy.net)
What this episode covers
We discuss the accidental-to-intentional damage of artwork by museumgoers and social or political protestors from Italy to Paris. We primarily focus on Nicola Bolla’s Van Gogh-inspired, Swarovski crystal-encrusted chair in the Palazzo Maffei in Verona.
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Strange Stories: Cracked Van Gogh
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