Art Attack: Woman Freaks Out Over Gauguin Painting at Washington’s National Gallery

Paul Gauguin's "Two Tahitian Women"

Getty Images

Something about Paul Gauguin’s Two Tahitian Women really rubbed one National Gallery goer the wrong way.

Last week, a woman attacked the painting, screaming, “this is evil.” She also reportedly tried to pull the 37 x 28.5-inch painting from the wall and banged on its plastic covering with her fists. The 1899 painting is a portrait of two women, both with exposed breasts. As far as art goes, this painting is pretty un-provocative.

(More on TIME.com: Lost and Found: Afghan Treasures Reunite at the British Museum)

A spokesperson for the gallery, Deborah Ziska, said that they found no initial damage to the painting, however a more thorough investigation was to be done on Monday.

Reportedly the woman — whose name hasn’t been released — was tackled to the ground by another museum patron and restrained. She’s now being charged with destruction of property and attempted theft.

Outbursts, one-woman protests and a heroic take-down? Who says museums are boring. (via Washington Post)

(More on TIME.com: 250 years of British museums)

0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest