In protest against the British government’s plans to build new oil fields in the North Sea, two climate activists smashed the safety glass of a world-famous painting in London’s National Gallery.
Two Just Stop Oil protesters on Monday punched the protective glass panel covering Diego Velázquez’s oil painting ‘Venus in front of the mirror’.
It was initially unclear whether the painting had been hit or even damaged.
“Politics is letting us down!”
“It is time for actions, not words,” the 22-year-old activist said after the attack. The group cited a similar action by British women’s rights activist Mary Richardson, who in 1914 smashed the glass with a carving knife and made several gashes in the painting. “Politics is letting us down. She abandoned women in 1914 and now also us,” emphasizes the second activist (20).
Photos and videos (see above) show that the protective glass was pierced with several holes. The demonstrators were arrested without resistance.
Background to the attack: Britain’s Conservative government is expected to unveil far-reaching plans on Tuesday to develop new oil and gas reserves. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently relaxed strict environmental regulations. He touts countless new jobs and stronger energy security.
Source: Krone
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