Two female demonstrators targeted Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic 16th-century painting, the Mona Lisa. Wearing T-shirts that read “food counterattack,” the protesters threw liquid, later revealed to be pumpkin soup, at the artwork. The Louvre confirmed that the painting was shielded by protective glass and remained undamaged.
The incident unfolded as the protesters questioned the prioritization between art and the right to healthy and sustainable food. In a video captured during the demonstration, the individuals argued that the current agricultural system is flawed and expressed concerns about the well-being of farmers.
The group responsible for the protest, identified as Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) explaining that the action aimed to draw attention to integrating “food into the general social security system.” The group advocated for a monthly food card worth €150 (£128) for citizens to support their food needs.
Following the soup splash, museum security intervened, placing black screens in front of the protesters and evacuating the room. The Louvre reported that cleaning procedures were promptly carried out, and the Salle des Etats, where the Mona Lisa is displayed, reopened to visitors around 11:30 local time.
While the Louvre acknowledged the incident and stated that a complaint would be lodged, Rachida Dati, France’s Minister for Culture, strongly condemned the act. Dati emphasized that “no cause” justifies targeting the Mona Lisa, emphasizing its significance as part of the nation’s heritage.
This episode marks the latest in a series of unusual incidents involving the Mona Lisa. The painting has been shielded by safety glass since the early 1950s when a visitor damaged it with acid. In 2019, the Louvre announced the installation of a more transparent form of bulletproof glass for added protection. In 2022, an activist threw cake at the painting in a separate incident, calling attention to environmental concerns.
