“Unlocking the Enigma: Discover the Hidden Mysteries Behind the Mona Lisa’s Smile”
The two protesters were swiftly led away by security staff, and the Salle des Etats evacuated as the soup was being cleaned. Again, Mona Lisa suffered no damages.
The action was later claimed by a group called ‘Riposte Alimentaire’, or ‘Food Counterattack’
In a later statement posted on X, the group stated that their protest was intended to integrate ‘Food into the general social security system.’ And called for each citizen to receive a €150 food card each month.
It is yet to be seen if the pumpkin soup stunt will further the group’s goals. After the event, the response by French authorities was firm. Rachida Dati, France’s Minister for Culture, stated that no cause, however important, ‘Could justify the Mona Lisa being targeted.’ Adding that the Louvre would lodge a complaint against Food Counterattack.
These acts of vandalism only contributed to perpetuate Mona Lisa’s fame. But our favourite portrait made it to headlines also thanks to less violent controversies.
Back in 2012, a Swiss-based organisation called the ‘Mona Lisa Foundation’ proudly and loudly revealed to the world the existence of a second, yet unknown, version of the portrait, also by Leonardo. The Foundation claimed to be in possession of evidence confirming the authenticity, but curiously did not own the painting itself. According to the organisation’s general secretary, Joel Feldman, the picture was owned by an unnamed international consortium, but refused to reveal any more details.
In October 2019, the BBC interviewed archaeology Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts, at Fielding Graduate University, California. The ‘Foundation’ had invited Isbouts to Switzerland to inspect their ‘Second Mona Lisa’ – and the professor was convinced: ‘I spent about two hours with that painting. But after five minutes I recognised that this had to be a Leonardo.’
