The Louvre swiftly reassured the public that the masterpiece, securely shielded behind protective glass, sustained no damage. In a video capturing the audacious act, the protesters questioned the prioritization between art and the fundamental right to nourishing sustenance. "Your agricultural system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work," they asserted, highlighting concerns about the current state of the food industry.
The group, Riposte Alimentaire, issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), articulating their motive. They aimed to integrate "food into the general social security system," emphasizing that the existing food model "stigmatises the most precarious and does not respect our fundamental right to food." Their proposed solution involved a monthly food card worth €150 (£128) for citizens to use on essential food items.
While the Louvre acknowledged the soup-throwing incident, which occurred at approximately 10:00 local time, the museum's security efficiently placed black screens in front of the protesters before evacuating the room. The disrupted area, known as the Salle des Etats, was later reopened to visitors at 11:30.
Expressing their disapproval, the Louvre announced intentions to file a complaint against the perpetrators. Rachida Dati, France's Minister for Culture, condemned the act, asserting that "no cause" could justify targeting the Mona Lisa. Dati underscored the painting's role as part of the nation's heritage, stating that it belongs to future generations.
The protest occurred amidst ongoing demonstrations by farmers in Paris, protesting rising fuel costs and advocating for simplified regulations. On Friday, these farmers caused significant disruptions by blocking key roads in and out of the French capital.
This is not the first time the Mona Lisa has been the target of such acts. In 2022, an activist threw cake at the painting, urging people to "think of the Earth." The painting, housed behind safety glass since the early 1950s, has a history of being a target for unconventional actions.
The museum's efforts to protect the masterpiece include installing a more transparent form of bulletproof glass in 2019. This additional measure aimed to enhance security after an incident in which an activist poured acid on the painting in the 1950s. The recent soup-throwing episode echoes the historical trend of unconventional attempts to engage with or draw attention to the renowned artwork.
It is worth noting that the Mona Lisa's tumultuous history includes a high-profile theft in 1911. Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the Louvre, stole the painting, causing an international sensation. Peruggia hid in a cupboard overnight to execute the heist. The painting was recovered two years later when he attempted to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, Italy.
The incident at the Louvre highlights the intersection of art, activism, and societal issues. Riposte Alimentaire's provocative action draws attention to their cause, linking food security to broader social concerns. As the Louvre contemplates legal action, the event adds another chapter to the Mona Lisa's storied history, emphasizing its enduring status as a symbol and a target for unconventional expressions of discontent.