Louvre in central Paris, environmental protesters targeted the iconic Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, throwing soup at the glass-protected masterpiece. The protest, led by a group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack), aimed to draw attention to the demand for “healthy and sustainable food.”

The incident, captured on video, shows two female protesters, adorned in “food counterattack” T-shirts, tossing liquid at the Mona Lisa. They questioned whether art or the right to healthy food was more important, expressing concerns about the agricultural system’s impact on farmers.

The Louvre assured that the 16th Century painting, housed behind protective glass, remained undamaged. However, the museum’s security swiftly responded, placing black screens in front of the protesters before evacuating the room.

Riposte Alimentaire, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), asserted that their actions were part of a broader initiative to integrate “food into the general social security system.” They criticized the current food model, claiming it stigmatizes the most vulnerable and violates the fundamental right to food. The group proposed issuing a monthly €150 (£128) food card to citizens.

The Louvre confirmed that the protesters sprayed pumpkin soup on the painting around 10:00 local time, resulting in the temporary closure of the Salle des Etats. The museum reopened to visitors at 11:30 after cleaning.

Expressing disapproval, Rachida Dati, France’s Minister for Culture, emphasized that “no cause” justified targeting the Mona Lisa, emphasizing its significance to future generations.

The museum announced its intention to file a complaint against the protestors. This incident follows a recent surge in farmer protests in Paris, addressing concerns about rising fuel costs and regulatory complexities.

The Mona Lisa, protected behind safety glass since the 1950s, endured a previous attack in 2019 when an activist threw cake at the painting, advocating for environmental awareness. The painting, famously stolen in 1911 and recovered two years later, continues to be a symbol of global cultural heritage.