The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, is facing criticism amid claims that a valuable portrait was damaged due to a visitor taking a selfie without any regard for the artwork.

The unnamed person allegedly scratched the surface of a 17th-century painting, leaving irreparable damage.

Portrait-painting practices in the 17th century differed from those of today, with many artists focusing on the facial features of their subjects.

Consequently, this artwork alteration resulted in the loss of crucial facial details, significantly diminishing the painting's artistic and monetary value.