On Sunday, January 28, protesters hurled pumpkin soup at the famous Mona Lisa housed in the Louvre, but fortunately, the painting was protected by its glass casing. 

The two protesters who were responsible are said to be part of a group called the Riposte Alimentaire (meaning Food Response), which is an environmentalist group. Said on Riposte Alimentaire’s website, “It is now up to us, ordinary citizens, to enforce the commitments to which our government refuses to comply and to build a just and resilient society. It is up to us to enter into civil resistance.” The group says its main goal is to provide access to healthy food that pays farmers with dignity, but many are questioning their methods.

A video was recorded showing the entire incident. At ten a.m (Paris time), two women hurled pumpkin soup at the Mona Lisa, and it splashed all over the protective casing while the crowd gasped and booed. The women crossed beneath the wooden railing to address onlookers. One protester quickly took off her jacket, showing the words “FOOD RIPOSTE” on her shirt.

“What is more important: art or the right to a healthy and sustainable diet?” she shouted.

The Louvre’s security staff quickly intervened, evacuating everyone from the room, called the “Salle de Estats”. Staff then placed black panels around the Mona Lisa and the women, isolating them from the tourists.

The Riposte Alimentaire said they were there to make awareness of the little food production and the many people who are in hunger in France. They are calling for “the integration into the general social security system.” 

In their website, they claim to be part of the A22 network. A22 connects some of the many protestant groups: UK’s Just Stop Oil, Renovate Switzerland, Italy’s Ultima Generazione, and so many more. A similar attack was orchestrated on Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” in 2022, conducted by Just Stop Oil.

Why do environmentalist activists throw food onto famous paintings? The protesters are conveying a powerful message: art cannot exist on a destroyed planet. 

French Culture Minister Rachida Datl condemned the Louvre protest by posting on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The Mona Lisa, like our heritage, belongs to future generations. No one can justify it being targeted!” 

The museum has stated that it is lodging a complaint.

And despite the many attacks on the Mona Lisa, to this day, she is still smiling ever so mysteriously, hiding the many secrets she may contain.

Works Cited

Riposte Alimentaire, https://ripostealimentaire.fr/. Accessed 15 February 2024.

“Protesters hurl soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’ in Paris.” CNN, 29 January 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/28/europe/soup-thrown-mona-lisa-louvre-paris-intl/index.html. Accessed 15 February 2024.