What makes a person want to vandalize a cherished artwork? The factors often vary greatly.
Politics often play a role, as has been the case with the many recent protests led at museums by climate activists around the world. Personal interests often can become paramount as well, as they have with a variety of young provocateurs who have targeted others’ artworks, sometimes even as part of their own art practices.
In each case, however, the base motive remains the same: to raise a ruckus by disturbing the look or reputation of art people know all too well.
Below, a look at 25 instances of art-world vandalism, from religious iconoclasms to the climate protests that are still unfolding.
