Arrest has been made and charges have been filed against a man for damaging a Picasso painting at the Tate Modern art gallery in London, an artwork believed to worth $26 million.
The painting, titled Bust of A Woman, created by the artist in 1944, has been removed for assessment due to the damage, which is suspected to be a rip.
A 20-year-old named Shakeel Ryan Massey from north-west London appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 30, 2019, following the alleged incident that took place on Saturday, as reported by Scotland Yard.
A spokesperson for the gallery stated that the suspect was quickly apprehended, and added, “The work of art is with our conservation team for expert assessment. Tate Modern remains open.”
According to Tate’s website, the oil painting, created in 1944 in Paris, depicts photographer Dora Maar in a semi-abstract style, wearing a hat and green clothing while sitting on a black metal chair.
Massey, residing on High Road, NW10, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Inner London Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on January 30.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police announced, “Detectives investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Tate Modern, Bankside, on Saturday, 28 December have charged a man.”