What Happens When an Artwork Is Damaged beyond Repair

Elena Goukassian | Artsy | 11th July 2019

Accidents happen. When an artwork is ruined, insurance is paid and the insurance company becomes the owner.  It’s curious then that, although deemed worthless, these works are still treated with respect. The cultural attitudes that gave rise to their value cannot easily be removed. “You remove something from having monetary value and, at every turn, people are trying to bring it back “.