(CTN News) – Environmental activists targeted the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in France, symbolically hurling soup at the famous 16th Century painting to advocate for the right to “healthy and sustainable food.”
The painting, protected by glass, remained undamaged. Video footage captured two female protesters wearing “food counterattack” T-shirts pouring liquid onto the protective barrier.
They questioned the prioritization of art over the right to nutritious food, criticizing the agricultural system’s impact on farmers.
The activists, associated with a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), called for the integration of food into the social security system.
They argued that the current food model marginalizes the vulnerable and violates the fundamental right to food. The group proposed issuing a monthly €150 (£128) food card for citizens.
Mona Lisa Soup Incident: Louvre Temporarily Shutters Salle des Etats in Wake
The Louvre confirmed the incident, reporting that pumpkin soup had been sprayed on the painting, resulting in the temporary evacuation of the Salle des Etats.
The museum reopened after cleaning, and despite the protest, there was no damage to the artwork. The Louvre announced its intention to file a complaint.
Rachida Dati, France’s Minister for Culture, condemned the act, stating that no cause justified targeting the Mona Lisa, emphasizing its significance as part of the country’s heritage.
The incident occurred amid ongoing protests by farmers in Paris, addressing issues such as rising fuel costs and regulatory complexities.
This event follows a 2022 incident where an activist threw cake at the Mona Lisa, urging environmental consciousness. The painting has been behind safety glass since the 1950s, when it was damaged by acid.
In 2019, the museum upgraded to a more transparent form of bulletproof glass to enhance protection. The Mona Lisa, famously stolen in 1911 and recovered in 1913, continues to be a focal point of global attention.
