The New York Times said the 62-inch-by-32-inch blue-and-white lunette, created by Renaissance sculptor Andrea della Robbia, came loose from its home above the doorway of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries, and crashed to the stone floor below.

Although the piece was fractured, it fell in such a way it was spared "catastrophic damage," a museum spokesman told the newspaper.

The sculpture, which shows the archangel St. Michael holding a sword and scales, was discovered early Tuesday by a guard on regular rounds, The Times said.

The spokesman said that after examining the piece, museum staff believe it is "eminently restoreable."