Climate protestors spilled soup over Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” at London’s National Gallery on Friday to protest fossil fuel extraction, but the glass-covered artwork suffered no visible harm.
According to the activist organization Just Stop Oil, which wants the British government to block new oil and gas projects, activists spilled two cans of tomato soup over the oil painting, which is one of the Dutch artist’s most renowned works. The two demonstrators were likewise attached to the exhibition wall.
The soup splattered over the glass, completely obscuring the picture and its golden frame. According to the gallery, “there is some slight damage to the frame but the artwork is undamaged.” The painting is one of numerous versions of “Sunflowers” made by Van Gogh in the late 1880s.
The Metropolitan Police in London said two persons were detained on suspicion of criminal damage and aggravated trespass.
“Specialist officers have now un-glued them and they have been taken into custody to a central London police station,” the force said in a statement.
Just Stop Oil has drawn attention, and criticism, for targeting artworks in museums. In July, Just Stop Oil activists glued themselves to the frame of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, and to John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” in the National Gallery.
Activists have also blocked bridges and intersections across London during two weeks of protests.
The wave of demonstrations comes as the British government opens a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration, despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
