The Mona Lisa – Art, Heritage and Activism

A History of Vandalism and Activism

As I discussed on ABC Radio, the Mona Lisa has long been a target for vandals and activists. The painting, renowned worldwide and displayed in the Louvre Museum, Paris, has seen numerous attacks over the years, each contributing to its storied history and necessitating ever-increasing security measures.

1911: The Infamous Theft In 1911, an Italian handyman, Vincenzo Peruggia, a museum employee who had worked on the painting’s frame, stole the Mona Lisa. He hid in a cupboard overnight to take the painting. This audacious theft turned the painting into a global sensation, a far cry from its prior status as a minor work by Leonardo da Vinci. The thief attempted to sell the painting to an Italian art dealer, claiming it should have never left Italy—a political protest that ended with the painting’s return to the Louvre.

1940s: World War II To safeguard artworks at the Louvre, including the Mona Lisa, they were packed away and secretly relocated to rural parts of France. In February 1943, the Mona Lisa was moved again to its final wartime hiding space, the Château de Montal in southwestern France. Paris was liberated by the Allies on August 25, 1944. Following the end of the war in Europe in 1945, the artworks were carefully returned. By 1947, most were back on display. 

1950s: Love and Vandalism The early 1950s saw a lover of the painting attempt to cut it from its frame. This led to the introduction of protective glass, an early measure to safeguard the masterpiece.

1956: Acid and Rock Attack In 1956, the Mona Lisa faced two separate attacks while on tour in the south of France. Acid was thrown at the painting, fortunately causing no damage. Later that year, a rock thrown at the painting cracked the glass and damaged a small area on the left elbow. This incident prompted the use of bulletproof glass, which was later upgraded in the 2000s to include humidity and temperature control technology.

1974: Disability Activism While on display in Tokyo in 1974, a disability activist sprayed red paint on the Mona Lisa as a protest against the lack of disability access to the gallery.

2009: Citizenship Protest A woman threw a teacup at the Mona Lisa in 2009, protesting her denied request for French citizenship. Fortunately, the painting remained unscathed thanks to its protective casing.

2022: Climate Change Activist Cake Attack – A man masquerading as a wheelchair-bound elderly woman hurled a piece of cake at the Mona Lisa in a climate-related protest at the Louvre. It was captured on camera en-masse by museum visitors in the room and shared via social media immediately. 

2024: Soup v’s Art In January this year another climate change related attack occurred. This time, activists threw soup at the painting and then stood in front of it, saying: “What is more important? Art or the right to healthy and sustainable food?” A group called Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) claimed responsibility for the stunt. The painting was undamaged because it was protected by the glass casing. 

The Mona Lisa Today: Secure and Protected

In 2019, the Mona Lisa’s bulletproof glass display case was updated to the latest technology, ensuring better visibility while maintaining stringent humidity and temperature control. Additionally, a new queuing system was implemented to manage the massive crowds, allowing visitors approximately 30 seconds to view the painting, thus preventing overcrowding and ensuring the safety of both the artwork and the viewers.

Paris Olympics 2024: Heightened Security

With the 2024 Paris Olympics in full swing, security in the city is at an all-time high, and the Louvre Museum is no exception. The Mona Lisa is undoubtedly on the bucket list of many athletes, celebrities and visitors. Imagine winning a gold medal and then visiting the iconic painting—it’s a dream come true for many. In the lead up to the opening ceremony the Olympic Torch toured various Paris landmarks including the Louvre Museum. The flame stopped in front of the Mona Lisa, Nike of Samothrace and Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. 

I am immensely proud of our Australian athletes who are performing remarkably well and bringing home medals. Their dedication and success are an inspiration, much like the enduring legacy of the Mona Lisa.

Fascinating Facts About the Mona Lisa

• Creation and Commission: Leonardo da Vinci likely painted the Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1506. It is widely believed to be a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo, commissioned to celebrate her new home and the birth of her second son.
• Dimensions and Medium: The painting measures 77 cm by 53 cm and is an oil painting on a wood panel.
• Historical Anecdotes: Napoleon hung the Mona Lisa in his bedroom for several years.
• Value and Protection: In 1962, it was valued at US$100 million (about AUD$1.2 billion in 2020). Recent estimates suggest its value could be as high as 50 billion euros. Despite its immense value, it is protected under French heritage laws, making it illegal for the French government to sell it.

The painting’s protection and the measures taken to preserve it are a testament to its significance in art history. As discussions continue about potentially moving the Mona Lisa to enhance visitor experience, the painting remains a symbol of both artistic achievement and the challenges of preserving cultural heritage.

For art lovers and art collectors, understanding the storied history of the Mona Lisa underscores the importance of security and preservation in the art world. At KAB Gallery, we are committed to showcasing and protecting valuable artworks, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations. If you have a treasured artwork and would like to know more about art conservation, art restoration and appropriate storage or display options, contact our team LINK

Too often valuable treasures are lost, overlooked or forgotten about. If you have an artwork you need to know more about, we can help you. Scheduled appointments can be made for art assessments where you can obtain information which will help you decide on how best to proceed with your piece. Whether you decide to keep, sell or restore your artwork, we can provide expert assistance. Artwork appraisals and art valuations can be booked through either the Terrigal art gallery or the Pymble art gallery. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ART SERVICES

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