In a daring protest at the Louvre, two female demonstrators associated with the group Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) threw pumpkin soup at Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa. The incident occurred around 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT) and led to the temporary evacuation of the Salle des Etats, where the masterpiece is displayed.
The protesters, wearing T-shirts with the message “food counterattack,” questioned the priorities between art and the right to healthy and sustainable food. They argued that the current agricultural system is ailing, leading to the death of farmers at work. The group called for the integration of food into the general social security system, demanding a monthly food card worth €150 (£128) for citizens.
The Louvre confirmed that the painting, protected by safety glass since the early 1950s, was undamaged in the incident. Security personnel swiftly placed black screens in front of the protesters, and the room was evacuated as a precaution. The Salle des Etats reopened to visitors at 11:30 after a thorough cleaning process.
Rachida Dati, France’s Minister for Culture, strongly condemned the act, stating that “no cause” could justify targeting the Mona Lisa. She emphasised the cultural heritage’s significance for future generations.
The group behind the protest, Riposte Alimentaire, described itself as an environmental movement. In a statement posted on social media, they argued that the current food model stigmatises the most vulnerable and violates the fundamental right to food.
The Louvre announced its intention to file a complaint regarding the incident. In 2019, the museum had installed a more transparent form of bulletproof glass to protect the Mona Lisa. This is not the first time the painting has been targeted; in 2022, an activist threw cake at it, urging people to “think of the Earth.”
The incident comes amidst recent farmer protests in Paris, where demonstrators have been calling for an end to rising fuel costs and simplified regulations. The French capital witnessed key roads being blocked by farmers on Friday as part of their ongoing demonstrations.
The Mona Lisa, one of the world’s most famous artworks, was famously stolen from the Louvre in 1911 but recovered two years later when the thief attempted to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy.
Feature Image: Two environmental activists hurl soup at Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” painting at the Louvre Museum in Paris on January 28, 2024.DAVID CANTINIAUX/GETTY IMAGES
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