After the Mona Lisa in Paris, a painting by the impressionist Claude Monet was targeted this Saturday in Lyon.
Two environmental activists doused him with soup, an action claimed in a press release by the Riposte Alimentaire collective which became known after throwing soup on Mona Lisa, at the Louvre, at the end of January.
“Warning about the climate and social crisis”
The collective broadcast a video in which we see two young women throwing the contents of two small thermos onto “Le Printemps”, an oil painting from 1882. They then recite a “claim” text.
“Through this action, Riposte Alimentaire wishes to raise awareness of the coming climate and social crisis,” claims the collective, an offshoot of Dernier Rénovation whose activists made themselves known by blocking the ring road, in Paris, as in Lyon.
The work would not be damaged
The destruction or damage of cultural property in a museum is punishable by 7 years in prison and a fine of €100,000.
Questioned by Le Progrès, the City of Lyon confirmed the incident at the Museum of Fine Arts. The work would not be damaged.
According to our initial information, “Le Printemps” was protected by glass. The work will be examined by an expert at the start of the week.
What is this painting?
Monet’s painting, which dates from 1882, shows the Seine valley, seen from the hillsides overlooking Vétheuil, in the Val d’Oise. More than the place, it is an “effect of spring” that the painter has restored: “Spring is admirable, but unfortunately very fleeting,” he said.
The museum will file a complaint
The two protagonists were immediately arrested by the municipal police, indicated the management of the museum, which will file a complaint for an act of vandalism.
“This Sunday, February 11, the rooms presenting the impressionist works of the museum will be closed to the public,” adds the museum in a press release.