Protestors throw soup on Mona Lisa painting in Paris

New Delhi, Jan 28: Protesters launched a culinary assault on the iconic 16th-century masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci in Paris.

The renowned artwork, globally recognized as one of the most famous pieces, remained unharmed as it is securely encased behind bulletproof glass within the museum's walls—a protective measure in place since the early 1950s.

The incident unfolded during a demonstration advocating for the right to "healthy and sustainable food." Video footage captured two protesters expressing their discontent with the existing agricultural system, denouncing it as "sick."

The act of hurling soup at the Mona Lisa underscored their call for attention to issues related to food production and sustainability.

Paris has recently witnessed a series of protests by farmers, cantering on concerns over rising fuel costs and a demand for simplified regulations. On Friday, these demonstrations escalated, leading to the blockage of key roads in and out of the city by protesting farmers.

This is not the first time the Mona Lisa has faced an unconventional threat. In 2019, an activist threw cake at the painting, emphasizing the urgency of environmental considerations. However, the transparent bulletproof glass proved effective once again, safeguarding the artwork from any harm.

The Mona Lisa's history is marked by dramatic incidents, including the infamous 1911 theft from the Louvre. Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the world's most visited museum, orchestrated the theft by hiding in a cupboard overnight to abscond with the masterpiece. The painting was eventually recovered two years later when Peruggia attempted to sell it to an antique dealer in Florence, Italy, causing an international sensation.