In a bizarre incident at one of New York City’s most famous cultural institutions, a teenager is facing charges for allegedly vandalizing centuries-old works of art and tearing tapestries while being arrested.
Police said 19-year-old Joshua Vaurin, who was staying at a Times Square hotel, hurled water at a 19th century French oil painting, “The Princess de Broglie,” late Monday afternoon.
The splish-slash tour of the Upper East Side museum continued with a watery visit to a 16th-century Italian altarpiece, “Madonna and Child with Saints” by Girolamo dai Libri, according to police.
Vaurin also ripped two tapestries before being taken into custody, investigators said.
No injuries were reported.
There was no clear motive for why anyone would try to water down the priceless creations. As for the damage, it is said to be fixable and will only cost around $1,000 to make the necessary repairs.
Police initially said Vaurin was taken to the hospital before being arraigned on criminal mischief charges.
