Published Saturday, 30 June 2012
The painting 'Argenteuil Basin with a single Sailboat (1874)' by Monet. (© National Gallery of Ireland)
The incident occurred between 11.30am and 12pm on Friday.
The painting 'Argenteuil Basin with a single Sailboat' painted by the French artist in 1874 was hanging in room 10 in the lower base wing of the Merrion Street gallery.
A statement posted on the gallery's website confirmed that the painting was "seriously damaged" and has been removed for assessment by the Conservation Department.
"The NGI does not have any more details about the incident as the matter is now with the Garda Síochana," the statement continued.
Gallery director Sean Rainbird said: "It is a shocking and very regrettable incident and I would like to praise the Garda Síochana and the NGI staff in dealing promptly with the matter."
The accused is due before Dublin District Court on Monday.
Gardaí are asking anyone who visited the National Gallery on Friday to contact them.