Mona Lisa: A Storied History of Art, Protests, and Protection

The legendary portrait by Leonardo da Vinci known as the Mona Lisa or Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, has long captivated visitors and scholars alike. In recent times, a notable incident occurred in Paris at the Louvre when two activists from Riposte Alimentaire disrupted the calm of the gallery by throwing soup at the display case. Their action aimed to spotlight what they describe as a flawed agricultural system, drawing attention to broader environmental and social concerns while the painting remained unharmed behind its protective glass. This act, while dramatic, sits within a long history of attention-seeking gestures designed to shine a spotlight on various causes without altering the painting’s enduring appeal or the reverence it inspires in audiences around the globe.