Protesters Hurl Soup at Mona Lisa Painting in Paris
Protesters from the environmental group Riposte Alimentaire threw soup at the 'Mona Lisa' painting in Paris but were unable to damage it due to its protective glass casing.
Protesters Target 'Mona Lisa'
Protesters from the environmental group Riposte Alimentaire targeted the iconic 'Mona Lisa' painting in Paris by throwing soup at it. However, the painting was protected from any damage due to its glass casing.
The group, whose name translates to 'Food Response,' claimed that two of its campaigners were responsible for the act of vandalism. In a video of the incident, the protesters are seen throwing orange-colored soup from bottles before addressing onlookers by asking whether art or the right to a healthy and sustainable diet is more important.
To prevent any further disturbance, the Louvre staff quickly intervened and placed black screens between the visitors and the protesters. The museum also evacuated the room housing the 'Mona Lisa,' but it has since been reopened.
Riposte Alimentaire's Motive
Riposte Alimentaire expressed its intentions behind the protest through social media posts. The group aimed to draw attention to unsustainable food production and hunger in France, calling for the integration of food into the general social security system.
The environmental group is affiliated with the A22 Network, which consists of various activist groups known for disruptive climate protests. Just Stop Oil, the group that previously targeted Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' in London in 2022, is part of this network.
The incident occurred amidst widespread demonstrations by French farmers regarding issues such as pay, competition, and government regulations.
Protecting the Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the 'Mona Lisa,' is displayed in the Louvre museum and is considered one of the most famous paintings in the world. Standing just over 2.5 feet tall and under 2 feet wide, the painting attracts millions of visitors annually.
Despite its popularity, the painting has faced several incidents of vandalism and theft throughout history. In 1911, it was stolen by a Louvre employee, gaining international recognition. The canvas also suffered an acid attack in the 1950s, leading to enhanced protective measures, including bulletproof glass.
Previous acts of vandalism include a woman throwing a ceramic cup at the painting in 2009, resulting in a broken cup but no harm to the artwork. In 2022, a visitor smeared frosting on the protective glass.
