Again, a Van Gogh painting is the target of an action by environmental activists. The attack in Rome follows the same scenario as in London two weeks earlier, although a different group is behind the attack. And instead of tomato, pea soup is used.
Environmental activists have poured pea soup on a painting by the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh in the Italian capital of Rome. The incident happened in the Palazzo Bonaparte in the heart of the city, as reported by the Ansa news agency. A spokesman for the Italian offshoot of the group “Last Generation” (“Ultima Generazione”) confirmed the action to the dpa. An exhibition of Van Gogh works is currently running in the museum. The 1888 painting “The Sower,” which shows a man in a field at sunset, was protected by a pane of glass, according to media reports. The work itself was therefore not damaged.
According to “Ultima Generazione”, four activists were involved in the campaign. Museum security guards then cleared the room and took those involved for questioning, it said.
Italy’s culture minister sharply criticized the action. “Attacking art is a vile act that must be resolutely condemned,” said Gennaro Sangiuliano. He wanted to remind people that acts against cultural assets would be severely punished.
Another Van Gogh painting was attacked in the National Gallery in London in mid-October. Two activists from the environmental group “Just Stop Oil” poured two cans of tomato soup over the world-famous masterpiece “Sunflowers”, which is estimated to be worth the equivalent of 84 million euros. Since this picture is also protected by a pane of glass, it was not damaged.
Environmental activists are also causing a stir in Italy with actions in front of works of art or with road blockades. Members of the “Ultima Generazione” keep obstructing traffic. On Wednesday they blocked part of the important ring road around Rome with a sit-in protest. In the past, they also taped their hands to paintings. The activists want to draw attention to the consequences of climate change and demand that energy production from fossil fuels such as oil or coal be stopped.
