Vandalism
Deliberate destruction of property, rooted in Enlightenment views of the Vandals.
Vandalism is the action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. The term includes property damage, such as graffiti and defacement directed towards any property without permission of the owner.
- field
- Criminal act and cultural concept
- known_for
- Deliberate destruction of property, including graffiti and defacement
- associated_people
- John Dryden, Gustave Courbet, Raphael Lemkin
Lore & Background
During the Enlightenment, Rome was idealized, while the Goths and Vandals were blamed for its destruction. However, the Vandals did intentionally damage statues, which may be why their name is associated with the vandalism of art.
Reader's Guide
The term was quickly adopted across Europe. This new use of the term was important in colouring the perception of the Vandals from later Late Antiquity, popularizing the pre-existing idea that they were a barbaric group with a taste for destruction. Historically, vandalism has been justified by painter Gustave Courbet as destruction of monuments symbolizing 'war and conquest'. Therefore, it is often done as an expression of contempt, creativity, or both. The proposal was not accepted.
Did You Know?
- Gustave Courbet justified vandalism as destruction of monuments symbolizing 'war and conquest'.
- The Vandals intentionally damaged statues, which may be why their name is associated with vandalism of art.
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