Protesters throw soup at Mona Lisa in protest for right to “healthy and sustainable food”
Updated on 28 January 2024, 10:08 GMT
by Your Name
Video captures protesters vandalizing Mona Lisa painting at the Louvre
Updated 53 minutes ago
Paris, France – In a shocking act of defiance, protesters infiltrated the Louvre museum on Friday, throwing soup at the world-renowned Mona Lisa painting. The protest, organized by a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), aimed to draw attention to the need for “healthy and sustainable food” as a fundamental right. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 local time, but the painting remains undamaged due to its protective glass enclosure.
Protesters demand “healthy and sustainable food” as a fundamental right
The 16th Century masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa, holds a significant place in the art world as one of its most valuable and cherished works. However, the protesters argue that the right to “healthy and sustainable food” should take precedence over art. Videos captured at the scene show two female protesters, donning shirts emblazoned with the words “food counterattack,” throwing liquid onto the protective glass covering the painting.
Art versus food: The clash of priorities
The agitators stood defiantly before the painting, asking the crucial question: what holds greater importance – art or the right to healthy sustenance? “Your agricultural system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work,” one of the protesters proclaimed. The unique demonstration provoked a prompt response from museum security, who swiftly erected black screens and evacuated the room.
Food Counterattack reveals motive behind the protest
Riposte Alimentaire, the organization behind the protest, released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, articulating their intentions. They strive to integrate “food into the general social security system,” claiming that the current food model perpetuates social inequality and fails to respect everyone’s right to nourishment. They proposed the issuance of a food card worth €150 (£128) per month to ensure basic sustenance for citizens.
Efforts to protect the Mona Lisa and sentiments of public figures
The Louvre Museum announced that the Mona Lisa remains unharmed by the soup attack, as the protective glass shielded the painting from any possible damage. However, the museum intends to lodge an official complaint. French Minister for Culture, Rachida Dati, condemned the attack, stating, “Like our heritage, the painting belongs to future generations.”
Historical context and security measures
The attempted assault on the Mona Lisa adds to its storied past. It was famously stolen from the Louvre in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the museum at the time. The enigma surrounding the missing painting caused a worldwide sensation. Two years later, Peruggia was arrested when he tried to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy. To ensure its safety, the museum installed protective bulletproof glass in the 1950s, and in 2019, a more transparent variant was added.
As the investigation into this protest continues, it highlights the growing demand for fair and sustainable food practices, transcending social, economic and cultural boundaries. The clash between art and social causes has captivated onlookers, emphasizing the role of peaceful demonstration in initiating change.
