Protestors throw soup at the Mona Lisa in food insecurity demonstration

The world’s most notable painting was the focus of a food insecurity demonstration this weekend when activists hurled pumpkin soup at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The painting, which is encased in bulletproof glass, was not damaged in the protest.

As the women were led away by Louvre security, staffers quickly scrambled to hide the mess with black cloth screens while other workers hastened to evacuate the room. Police in Paris confirmed that two people were arrested following the incident.

On X, Riposte Alimentaire took responsibility for the non-violent demonstration and mentioned that protestors, Sasha and Marie-Juliette, demand the establishment of sustainable food social security.

🦺 ACTION EN COURS - PARIS

Dimanche 28 janvier. 10h00

2 citoyennes engagées avec la nouvelle campagne Riposte Alimentaire ont aspergé de soupe le tableau “La Joconde” mondialement connu, exposé au Musée du Louvre. [1]#RiposteAlimentaire #A22Network #Joconde #Louvre pic.twitter.com/wfdUhf6K5G

— Riposte Alimentaire (@riposte_alim) January 28, 2024

In an effort to draw attention to food insecurity in France, the activists followed up their protest by passing under a barrier and standing on either side of the artwork, their hands raised in an apparent salute. One of the protestors removed her jacket to reveal a white t-shirt bearing the name 'Riposte Alimentaire,' or food response.

Par leur action non violente, Sasha (24ans) et Marie-Juliette (63ans) exigent la mise en place d'une Sécurité Sociale de l'Alimentation Durable. [2]

👉https://t.co/FLzMmVW4tW@SocialeAlim #SSAD #Alimentation pic.twitter.com/i4YS6VrrRX

— Riposte Alimentaire (@riposte_alim) January 28, 2024

“What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?” They continued: “Our farming system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work.”

The demonstration comes as French farmers take to the streets in protest over falling incomes and bureaucracy. It is the latest in a series of similar attacks against famous artworks to demand climate action and agricultural reform.