Leonardo da Vinci's 16th-century masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, one of the world's most renowned works of art, housed in the Louvre in central Paris, became the target of an environmental protest. Activists threw soup at the glass-protected painting, advocating for the right to "healthy and sustainable food."

The Louvre confirmed that the painting, protected behind glass, was unharmed.

A video captured two female protesters, wearing shirts reading "food counterattack," hurling the liquid at the painting. They then stood in front of the artwork, questioning, “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?”

"Our agricultural system is failing. Our farmers are dying at work," they added. The museum's security then placed black screens in front of the protesters before evacuating the room. A group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) claimed responsibility for the stunt.

In a statement published on X, formerly Twitter, they argued that the protest was part of efforts to incorporate food into the general social security system. They criticized the current food model for "stigmatizing the most vulnerable and disrespecting our fundamental right to food." The group proposed issuing citizens a monthly food card worth €150 (approx. £128) for food purchases.

The Louvre stated that members of Riposte Alimentaire, described as an environmental movement, sprayed pumpkin soup on the painting around 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT) with no damage caused.

It was reported that the Salle des Etats, where the artwork is displayed, was evacuated and reopened to visitors at 11:30 following a cleanup. "The museum will file a complaint," it was added.

Rachida Dati, France's Minister of Culture, remarked that "no cause" justifies targeting the Mona Lisa.

"Our heritage [the painting] belongs to future generations," she stated on X.

The French capital has recently seen protests by farmers demanding a halt to rising fuel costs and simplified regulations – blocking key roads in and around Paris on Friday.

Source: Avant Garde

The Mona Lisa has been behind safety glass since the early 1950s, following damage by a visitor who threw acid at it.

In 2019, the museum said it had installed a more transparent form of bulletproof glass for its protection. In 2022, an activist threw a cake at the painting, urging people to "think about the Earth."