Everyone has seen, or at least heard, about the Mona Lisa painting. It’s one of those highly-valued art pieces and is admired by thousands of people. The painting has attracted many a crowd over the decades, which, as a result, has led to all sorts of accolades such as the inclusion of the painting in pop culture and even conspiracy theories. Despite all this, everyone can agree on one thing: it’s truly an amazing piece of art. Well, everyone except for this one guy who decided to smear the painting with cake in protest.
Isn’t that crazy? Well, anything is possible! If you want to know more about this bizarre incident, then keep on reading.
Jean Pierre/ Pexels | People just can't seem to let good things be
What Happened?
On the 29th of May, 2022, on a casual Sunday, the Salles des Etats was heavily crowded; it was full of tourists and art enthusiasts making their way to see the artwork that was on display. It’s reported that amid all the usual hustle and bustle, a man, dressed as an elderly woman in a wheelchair, decided to throw some cake at the Mona Lisa painting. The Museum later confirmed that it was French pastry that the painting was attacked with. They later mentioned that the man used a wheelchair to take advantage of the reduced mobility policy, which allows wheelchair users to get close to the artwork for a better look.
The Intention Behind It
You’re probably wondering why any man would perform such a bizarre act. Well, for him, it was a protest! When the unnamed man was being escorted out of the museum, he began talking about our planet and mentioned that everyone ‘must think of the Earth. Artists tell you: think of the Earth. That’s why I did this.’
Markus Spiske/ Pexels | All this to smear pastry on a glass case?
The Aftermath
Soon after the incident took place, the crowded museum had to deal with the added security that was called in to detain the man as many of the onlookers began taking videos and photos, which were shared on Twitter. The bystanders also supported the gallery staff by giving them a round of applause once the clean-up was complete.
Markus Spiske/Pexels | Who knew a day at the museum could be so eventful?
So, do you think the protester did the right thing? Or was he wrong to do so?
