Italian politician trips and falls head first through priceless stained glass window

A Sardinian politician has shattered a priceless stained glass window after tripping down a flight of stairs.

The accident, caught on camera, shows Emanuele Cani diving through wartime artist Mario Sironi’s treasured piece.

Cani, who was left uninjured, tried to regain his footing but flew headfirst through the glass – stunning crowds gathered at a conference in Rome.

The councillor shared his ‘deep regret’ over the fall at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy reception, on November 12.

The window – titled ‘Labour Charter’ – was installed in 1932, commissioned by Mussolini’s fascist government to celebrate labour reforms in 1927.

The 75 square-meter piece depicts workers and infrastructure – demonstrating the government’s efforts to industrialise Italy.

Mario Sironi was a renowned Italian modernist artist whose work became widely recognised in the early 20th century. 

Sironi’s connection with his country’s fascist regime makes him a controversial figure.

However, he is widely recognised as being an important juncture in Italy’s artistic history.

Sironi was considered among the futurists – artists who emphasised dynamism and technology – before developing a heavier, more dramatic style.

The ‘Labour Charter’ is not the only valuable artwork in Italy to be destroyed by an embarrassing mishap recently.

In June a tourist sparked outrage after damaging a priceless 18th century painting while taking a selfie.

The unnamed culprit had been visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence when his day out took a turn for the worse.

Rome’s religious sites have also fallen foul of obnoxious tourists in recent years.

Last month, a man was filmed urinating on the Vatican’s holiest altar in front of hundreds of horrified worshippers.

And in 2023, a naked Polish man with ‘Save children of Ukraine’ written on his back leapt onto the same altar.

He was arrested and Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Basilica’s archpriest, condemned the ‘inappropriate, truly regrettable gesture’.

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