Boy trips and punches hole in $2M Italian painting in Taipei

A$2-millionmasterpiece by a 17th century Italian artist was back on display in the Taiwan capital on Tuesday after a 12-year-old boy tripped, fell and punched a hole in the canvas, the exhibit organizer said.

Still Life of Flowers by Italian master Paolo Porpora is part of a Taipei exhibit showcasing artwork painted by or influenced by Leonardo da Vinci, according to organizer David Sun.

"It was such an unusual accident," Sun said. "The boy was listening to the guide and wasn't looking where he was going, and tripped and smashed a hole in the artwork."

Sun said the boy and his family had expressed sincere regret and won't face any punishment.

"We had an Italian appraiser on hand and immediately contacted the collector," Sun said.

"We decided to repair the painting immediately on site and it's back on display already."

The painting has been valued at about $1.5 million US.