Climate activists vandalize famous painting in London’s National Gallery.
OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
5:41 PM – Monday, November 6, 2023
Two climate activists were reportedly apprehended by U.K. police on Monday for shattering the protective glass that covered a famous oil painting at the National Gallery in London, England.
The activists used small hammers to target artist Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece, “The Toilet of Venus,” also known as “The Rokeby Venus.”
Images revealed the protective glass panel riddled with multiple holes.
The two climate activists were associated with “Just Stop Oil,” a group known for their protests aimed at iconic artworks and public structures.
The activists declared that their actions on Monday were a call for the British government to immediately cease all licensing associated with the exploration, development, and production of fossil fuels within the United Kingdom.
As it turns out, Velázquez’s painting had previously been damaged in an act of protest in 1914. This is reportedly the reason that the climate activists specifically targeted it. The previous slashing was part of the suffragette movement advocating for women’s rights more than a century ago.
It suffered several cuts at the time but was subsequently repaired.
Referencing the previous protest, the activists reportedly hammered the glass panel, then told visitors at the gallery: “Women did not get the vote by voting. It is time for deeds, not words.”
“Politics is failing us. It failed women in 1914 and it is failing us now,” they added.
Police announced that the two were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and the National Gallery stated that the painting has now been removed from display so that conservators can examine any damages.
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The National Gallery in London, England, was the site of a shocking incident on Monday, November 6, 2023. Two climate activists were apprehended by U.K. police for shattering the protective glass that covered a famous oil painting at the gallery. The painting in question was artist Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece, “The Toilet of Venus,” also known as “The Rokeby Venus.”
Using small hammers, the activists targeted the protective glass panel, leaving it riddled with multiple holes. Images of the damage circulated, drawing attention to the vandalism. The activists were associated with an organization called “Just Stop Oil,” known for their protests against iconic artworks and public structures. Their actions were intended to demand that the British government immediately halt all licensing related to the exploration, development, and production of fossil fuels within the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Velázquez’s painting has been damaged as an act of protest. In 1914, it was slashed in a demonstration by suffragettes advocating for women’s rights. The painting sustained several cuts during that incident but was subsequently repaired. The activists aimed to draw attention to this previous protest as they hammered the glass panel, proclaiming to gallery visitors, “Women did not get the vote by voting. It is time for deeds, not words.” They emphasized that politics has failed women in the past and continues to do so.
The police arrested the two activists on suspicion of criminal damage, and the National Gallery confirmed that the painting has been removed from display. Conservators will examine the artwork for any damages caused by the incident. This news comes after the National Gallery posted a tweet stating that two individuals had entered Room 30 of the gallery and appeared to strike Velázquez’s painting with “emergency rescue hammers.”
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between climate activists and the art world, as well as the significance of historic artworks as symbols of protest. The National Gallery undoubtedly took immediate action to preserve the painting and ensure its restoration. It remains to be seen what further consequences the activists will face for their actions.
As art and activism continue to intersect, such incidents serve as a reminder of the power of art to provoke change and raise awareness about pressing issues. However, the debate surrounding the methods and boundaries of protest remains a complex one, with different perspectives and interpretations.
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