Raffaello's Masterpiece Survived War, Unexpectedly Attacked by 'Pigeon Droppings'

▲Raphael textile painting exhibited in the Spanish Royal Exhibition Hall.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A 16th-century tapestry by Renaissance master Raphael, displayed at the Spanish royal exhibition hall, has unexpectedly suffered from pigeon droppings.

According to the British daily The Guardian on the 8th (local time), the Madrid Royal Palace Gallery has been exhibiting nine large-scale tapestries left by Raphael since last November to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his death. Recently, pigeons have been flying indoors and leaving droppings here and there.

The flocks of pigeons entered through windows opened for ventilation and have been dropping excrement on the indoor floor, with some even captured sitting close to the artworks.

These exhibited works are Raphael's masterpieces depicting scenes from the Bible, monumental pieces he personally delivered to the Vatican Sistine Chapel about 500 years ago. Raphael's masterpieces, which survived the ravages of war, are now facing an unexpected pigeon attack.

The Spanish authorities in charge of the exhibition have stated that there has been no actual damage.

An official from the Spanish authorities said, "None of the tapestries have suffered any damage at any time," adding, "After a thorough investigation, it was also confirmed that there are no pigeon nests inside the building."

However, due to a recent surge in pigeons observed near the building, the authorities installed two ultrasonic devices harmless to animals to block access to the exhibited works.

They further explained that, considering visitors' health, they are adjusting window openings to allow ventilation while preventing pigeon intrusion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.