At the National Gallery in London, climate activists threw cans of what appeared to be tomato soup over Van Gogh‘s famous painting Sunflowers. Two persons were captured on camera opening tins, throwing the contents onto the artwork, and then sticking their hands to the wall while wearing Just Stop Oil T-shirts. 

Also Read | Who is Shayne Stephens, Alyssa Michelle Stephens’, popularly known as Latto, father?

These people, according to the Metropolitan Police, have been arrested. The painting was declared to be undamaged by the gallery because it was protected by glass.

According to a statement from the Trafalgar Square venue, two individuals entered Room 43 of the National Gallery on Friday morning after 11 a.m. Next to Van Gogh‘s Sunflowers (1888), they seemed like they had glued themselves to the wall. Additionally, they threw a red material, what looked like tomato soup, over the painting. 

“At just after 11am this morning two people entered Room 43 of the National Gallery.

The pair appeared to glue themselves to the wall adjacent to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (1888). They also threw a red substance – what appears to be tomato soup – over the painting”, the statement read.

Police were called after all visitors had left the room. The frame has some minor damage, but the artwork is untouched. 

The Metropolitan Police said, “Officers were rapidly on scene at the National Gallery this morning after two Just Stop Oil protesters threw a substance over a painting and then glued themselves to a wall”. 

They were both taken into custody for criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

The Videos of Friday’s incident features a protester shouting questions like, “What is worth more? Art or life? Is it worth more than food? Worth more than justice? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?”

She also mentioned the issue of the cost of living and the millions of hungry and cold families who can’t even afford to heat a can of soup.

Also Read | All about the beef between Nicki Minaj, Latto and NLE Choppa

The painting is one of seven Sunflowers paintings by Van Gogh that he made between 1888 and 1889, five of which are on view in galleries and museums around the globe.

The paintings of sunflowers are listed as “among Van Gogh’s most iconic and best-loved works” by the gallery.