Terrorist Attacks in Brasília Destroy Historic Artworks at Palácio do Planalto
On January 8, a series of terrorist attacks at Praça dos Três Poderes led to extensive vandalism at Brasília's Palácio do Planalto. Among the damaged artworks were Di Cavalcanti's 1962 painting 'As mulatas,' which suffered seven slashes and is valued between R$15-20 million; Bruno Giorgi's bronze sculpture 'O flautista' from the 1950s, worth R$250,000; and a wooden sculpture by Frans Krajcberg from the 1970s, valued at R$300,000. The architectural damage was severe, affecting glass, doors, and even a 17th-century pendulum clock. Culture Minister Margareth Menezes plans to evaluate the destruction alongside IPHAN. Additionally, there are rumors of theft involving Victor Brecheret's sculpture and damage to other pieces at the Chamber and Supreme Federal Court.
Key facts
- Terrorist attacks on January 8, 2023, vandalized the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.
- Damaged works include Di Cavalcanti's 'As mulatas' (1962), Bruno Giorgi's 'O flautista' (1950s), and a Frans Krajcberg wooden sculpture (1970s).
- Di Cavalcanti's painting was slashed and estimated to be worth R$15-20 million.
- A 17th-century Balthazar Martinot pendulum clock, a gift to Dom João VI, was destroyed.
- Jorge Eduardo's 'Bandeira do Brasil' (1995) was found floating in flooded ground floor water.
- The gallery of former presidents was totally destroyed; photographs were broken on the floor.
- Culture Minister Margareth Menezes and IPHAN are tasked with assessing the destruction.
- Unconfirmed rumors cite possible theft of Victor Brecheret's 'A bailarina' from the Chamber of Deputies.
Entities
Artists
- Di Cavalcanti
- Bruno Giorgi
- Frans Krajcberg
- Jorge Eduardo
- Victor Brecheret
- Marianne Peretti
- Alfredo Ceschiatti
- Luiz Danielian
- Rogério Carvalho
- Margareth Menezes
- Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- Max Perlingeiro
- Ruy Barbosa
- Balthazar Martinot
- Dom João VI
Institutions
- Palácio do Planalto
- Secretaria de Comunicação do Planalto
- Danielian Galeria
- Secom
- Ministério da Cultura
- IPHAN
- Câmara dos Deputados
- Pinakotheke Cultural
- Supremo Tribunal Federal
- Corte Francesa
- Palácio de Versailles
Locations
- Brasília
- Brazil
- Praça dos Três Poderes
- Rio de Janeiro
- Salvador
- São Paulo
- France
- Versailles