Mona Lisa, the woman with the enigmatic smile, sits safely in behind a glass pane at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Thanks to this glass pane which recently shielded the masterpiece from getting drenched in soup.
On Sunday, 28th January 2024, around 10am, two activist splashed pumpkin soup at the art work, sending a wave of appal and shock throughout the globe.
Daring Dames Target Mona Lisa
This breaking news grabbed headlines as it was an attack on one of the most cherished and sought-after art works of the centuries. The perpetrators were climate change reformers, attempting and achieving their purpose to get people into talking about their cause through this revolting act.
The two women activists, ducking the barriers, trespassing the security, boldly walked closer the the painting and flung soup at Leonardo da Vinci’s creation. In the video, they are captured screaming ‘What is more important? Art or the right to have a healthy and sustainable food system?’ in french.
This audacious gesture comes in the wake of the peasants all across france demanding a fairer price for their produce and slackening of the rigid regulations.
Vandalism to Draw Attention
The ladies were clad in shirts printed with the words ‘Food Response’ spoke passionately about sustainable agriculture and food supply chain after this scandalous act of vandalism.
The security guards, at once, took the matter in their hands and controlled the situation. The museum officials responded that they will file a complaint against this delinquency.
The women belonged to “Riposte Alimentaire” (Food Response), a french organisation that is strongly committed to nurturing sustainable farming and climate change. The organisation later proclaimed a statement on the purpose behind this daring deed, stating the necessity to secure the environment and food sources.
History of Assaults on Masterpieces
This event, although making a huge impact, is not a novel endeavour. A lot of notable paintings and valuable statues have had a history of being victim to hostile moves by activist groups to sensitise the world about their cause.
The iconic ‘Sunflowers’ painting by Vincent Van Gogh faced the swash of tomato soup at London’s National Gallery in October 2022. The Goya paintings in Madrid’s Prado museum became the next target in November 2022.
Mona Lisa’s Adventurous Past
The Mona Lisa too is not new to bearing the brunt of campaigners. In May 2022, the glass shielded it from frosting cream which was splashed by protestors. In 2009, it bore the unleash of a livid lady who threw a ceramic cup at it. Thankfully, the painting was unharmed.
The painting has been stolen, faced acid attack, smashed with a rock and smeared by cake..Yet, the marvel continues to remain alive and well, smiling with a rich history of adventures to its name.
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