Protesters Throw Soup at Mona Lisa in Demand for Healthy Food

A group of protesters advocating for the right to healthy and sustainable food threw soup at the glass-protected Mona Lisa, one of the world’s most famous artworks, exhibited at the Louvre in central Paris. The incident, carried out by two female protesters affiliated with Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), aimed to draw attention to the need for changes in the agricultural system. The Louvre clarified that the painting was unharmed as it is shielded by protective glass.

nn

In a video capturing the protest, the two individuals wearing “food counterattack” T-shirts can be seen splashing soup on the glass barrier. They stood in front of the painting, questioning the priority between art and the right to healthy food, emphasizing the dire state of the agricultural sector and the difficulties faced by farmers.

nn

Riposte Alimentaire, an environmental movement, claimed responsibility for the demonstration and explained in a statement that it aimed to integrate food into the general social security system. The group criticized the current food model for stigmatizing vulnerable populations and failing to respect the fundamental right to food. They called for the government to provide citizens with a monthly food card worth €150 to be utilized for food purchases.

nn

Following the incident, museum security swiftly erected black screens to conceal the protesters, subsequently leading to the evacuation of the Salle des Etats where the Mona Lisa is displayed. The area was later reopened after the necessary cleaning measures were implemented. The Louvre announced its intention to file a complaint regarding the incident.

nn

The Minister for Culture, Rachida Dati, voiced her condemnation of the act, stating that no cause could justify targeting the Mona Lisa. She emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

nn

It is worth noting that the Mona Lisa has been safeguarded behind protective glass since the 1950s after suffering damage from an acid attack. The museum further reinforced the protective measures in 2019, employing a transparent form of bulletproof glass. In history, the famous painting made headlines in 1911 when an employee of the Louvre stole it, leading to its eventual recovery in Italy.

nn

This recent incident involving the Mona Lisa follows the ongoing protests in Paris by farmers demanding fairer remuneration, less bureaucracy, and protection against cheap imports. The French capital has witnessed a series of demonstrations, causing disruptions in traffic and urging the government to address farmers’ concerns.

nn

Protests targeting iconic artworks are not exclusive to the Mona Lisa. In recent years, other masterpieces such as Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” have also been subjected to similar acts by activists.