Soup-Wielding Activists Target Mona Lisa in Paris Protest

PARIS, FRANCE – In an act of protest on Sunday, environmental activists targeted the iconic Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre museum and hurled soup at it. Fortunately, the painting was shielded from any damage by its protective glass casing.

The vandalism was attributed to two individuals associated with the environmental group Riposte Alimentaire, which translates to “Food Response.” The group claimed responsibility for the incident, stating that it was part of their campaign.

Following the incident, the Louvre temporarily closed the “Salle des Etats” room, where the Mona Lisa is housed, but has since reopened it after ensuring the safety of the artwork.

According to a statement released by the museum, the vandalism occurred around 10 am on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The statement confirmed that the protestors from Riposte Alimentaire sprayed pumpkin soup on the armoured glass protecting the Mona Lisa. The Louvre’s security staff quickly intervened to address the situation.

Condemning the act of vandalism, the museum announced its intention to file a complaint regarding the incident.

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is widely regarded as one of the most famous artworks in the world. Its small size, just over 2.5 feet tall and under 2 feet wide, doesn’t diminish its popularity. The painting attracts millions of visitors each year who line up to behold its enigmatic beauty.

Unfortunately, the Mona Lisa has been subjected to vandalism and theft in the past. It was famously stolen in 1911, which significantly raised its international profile. Furthermore, the painting endured an acid attack in the 1950s, prompting the museum to enhance its protective measures, including the installation of bulletproof glass.

This recent incident adds to the list of assaults on the artwork’s integrity. In 2009, a woman threw a ceramic cup angrily at the painting, but it remained unharmed. Then, in 2022, a visitor smeared frosting on the protective glass surrounding the Renaissance-era masterpiece.

As this story unfolds, updates will be provided.