In protest against international climate policy, militant climate activists have covered one of the most famous paintings by the Italian painter Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510): the ‘Birth of Venus’. The two men from the Last Generation group used tape on Tuesday to stick several photos of flooding on the window protecting the painting in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, police said.
They held up a poster calling for a special fund of 20 billion euros to eliminate climate damage. According to initial findings, the photo was not damaged. The police arrested the two men.
The protest in the busy museum is part of a series of actions against well-known works of art in various countries. After the action, Uffizi security staff cleared the room where the ‘Birth of Venus’ hangs and turned off the lights.
There is a risk of high fines
The two men now face heavy fines: Parliament in Rome last month passed a law under which militant climate activists could be sentenced to pay up to 60,000 euros if they damage their eyesight. It is now also in effect.
In recent years, activists from climate protection movements such as Ultima Generazione – Last Generation – have also targeted several landmarks in Italy. These include, for example, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice or the Trevi Fountain in Rome. There was no permanent damage. A coalition of three right-wing parties has governed Italy since October 2022.
Source: Krone
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