Oops: workers accidentally drill hole through 17th-century painting

[Champ]

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Construction workers accidentally drilled a hole through a 17th-century painting worth 250,000 euros ($420,000 Cdn) while renovating the Dutch upper house of parliament, officials said Friday.

The painting, Portrait of Jacob Cats by Baroque Dutch painter Ludolf de Jongh, was on loan from the Hague Museum.

The accident occurred a "couple of weeks ago" when the 1679 painting, which had been taken down and was leaning up against a wall in the legislature's Noon Hall, was pierced by workers who drilled through from the next room, said spokesman Janwillem Lohwman.

"I'm sure the contractor isn't pleased, but accidents happen," Lohwman said. The legislature has returned the painting to the Hague Museum for repair.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/WeirdNews/2004/12/17/787538-ap.html

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

1. LUUUUUCCCCYYYY! You got some 'splainin' to do!

[johnnie]

2. Doh!

[Orsino]

3. "But that was a priceless Dutch Master!"

<clouseau>
"Not any more."
</clouseau>

[lpbk2713]

4. "Hey, no problem. I'll get you a new one."

"That thing was old anyway."

:eyes: