Updated 20.45

A MAN IN his 40s has been charged in connection with an incident yesterday in which a Monet painting in the National Gallery of Ireland was seriously damaged.

The man will appear at the Dublin District Court on Monday morning charged with causing criminal damage to the painting. He is currently being held in custody at Pearse Street Garda Station.

The incident occurred between 11.30am and 12 noon yesterday when the 1874 painting, entitled ‘Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat’, was seriously damaged by the lone attacker. The painting had been hanging in room 10 in the lower base wing of the gallery.

The National Gallery of Ireland has said that the painting is now being assessed by conservation staff.

In a tweet this morning, staff at the gallery said they were “very touched” by the messages of support from members of the public.

Gardaí have asked anyone who visited the National Gallery yesterday morning to contact them at Pearse Street station on 01-666 9000.

The painting which was damaged in the attack. (Image: National Gallery of Ireland)

Monet painting damaged during incident at National Gallery >

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