The visitor stumbled into Portrait of Ferdinando de’ Medici (c. 1695–1700) by Anton Domenico Gabbiani at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, causing a minor tear near the subject’s ankle.

Security footage shows the man striking a pose before recoiling in alarm. The painting has since been removed for repair, though the damage is considered “light”.

The museum reported the visitor to authorities and says it will soon re-display the work.

Uffizi director Simone Verde condemned “selfie culture” in museums, vowing stricter rules to curb disrespectful behavior.

“The problem of visitors who come to museums to make memes or take selfies for social media.”

The incident follows a string of similar cases, including damage to a crystal chair in Verona and a Rothko painting in the Netherlands, both linked to reckless photo-taking.