Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PARIS (AP) — Anti-Semitic phrases have been spray-painted onto a provocative sculpture by British-Indian artist Anish Kapoor in the gardens of the palace of Versailles.
It's the second time the artwork, a 70-meter (230-foot) metallic cavern called "Dirty Corner," has been vandalized. It was spray-painted in June, and targeted again Sunday. France has seen rising concerns about anti-Semitism in recent years.
Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin called the new vandalism "ignominious" and says it shows a "fascist vision of culture." She said in a statement that authorities would pursue the perpetrators.
The sculpture prompted controversy when it was installed, for its style, its incongruity with the traditional glamour of Versailles and because Kaapoor told a French newspaper it suggests "the vagina of the queen (Marie Antoinette)."
It is on display through November.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.