A recent Atlantic article detailed the defacement of a Vincent Van Gough painting at the hands of environmental activists. It turns out, the stunt was carefully planned, taking into account the fact that the painting was encased in glass. Still, the risk of escalation is pronounced and one security official estimates that this little act of protest could come with a major price tag as museums seek to beef up their security. But why target great works of art? What makes these objects so valuable and even sacred in our eyes? Join us as we seek to explore these questions.
