In a bold act of protest, two activists at the Louvre museum in Paris aimed to draw attention to the importance of “healthy and sustainable food” by hurling red and orange soup at the bullet-proof glass safeguarding Leonardo da Vinci’s famed “Mona Lisa.” The unconventional demonstration unfolded amidst a crowd, eliciting gasps as the vibrant soup made contact with the protective glass. The activists, standing defiantly in front of the iconic painting, posed a poignant question: “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food.”
Addressing the issues plaguing the agricultural system, they emphatically declared, “Your agricultural system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work.” This symbolic act unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing protests by French farmers advocating for improved pay, fair taxes, and better regulations. This unusual protest aligns with a broader trend of environmental activism. Climate activists have staged similar stunts against renowned artworks, emphasizing the pressing need for action to combat climate change, phase out fossil fuels, and protect the planet.

The incident coincides with sustained protests by French farmers, prompting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to announce measures on January 26. Despite these announcements, road blockades persist across various parts of the country, underscoring the deep-seated concerns within the agricultural community.