Some pretty cringe-worthy moments took place at Art Basel this year, but the latest story regarding Republican politician Ed Cox and a $70k vase has us flinching in second-hand embarrassment.
According to NY Post, Cox accidentally toppled over and smashed a 4-foot-tall antique vase at a breakfast hosted by the CEO of Bank of America. Page 6 reported on the mortifying moment with accounts from witnesses who attended the event, and it sounds like any party-goer's worst nightmare.
“ ... It fell to the floor and shattered with a terrible, piercing, sound which stopped the entire room.” The source added, “Ed nervously tried to edge away from the wreckage while the event staff looked mortified."
Someone reportedly even called out "Oh my God, that was a $70,000 vase!" Ironically, the gathering was organized to raise money for the restoration of the artwork inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. Yikes.
Fortunately for Cox, he won't be asked to pay for the destroyed artwork.
At least this was an accident. Remember the protester who purposely dropped one of Ai Weiwei's Han dynasty vases earlier this year? That dude faced a lot more trouble for his actions.
[via Art Net News]
