A man has been arrested and charged with criminal damage for damaging a Picasso painting at the Tate Modern art gallery in London.
The artwork, Bust of A Woman, which was painted by the artist in 1944, has since been taken away while the damage is being assessed. It is believed the artwork has been ripped.
20-year-old Shakeel Ryan Massey from north-west London appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 30, 2019. The alleged incident happened on Saturday, according to Scotland Yard.
A gallery spokesman the suspect was “swiftly apprehended”. He said: “The work of art is with our conservation team for expert assessment. Tate Modern remains open.”
According to Tate’s website, the oil painting, which was 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, of High Road, NW10, was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing on January 30.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police said: “Detectives investigating an incident of criminal damage at the Tate Modern, Bankside, on Saturday, 28 December have charged a man.”
