Kenya, Aug. 1 -- The Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, was targeted in a vandalism attempt at the Louvre Museum yesterday, reigniting debates over Mona Lisa security measures and the protection of priceless artworks.

On July 31, 2025, an unidentified individual threw a non-damaging liquid at the painting, which is safeguarded by bulletproof glass, causing no harm but prompting a swift evacuation of the Salle des Etats.

This incident, the latest in a series of attacks on the world's most famous painting, has raised questions about visitor screening and cultural heritage preservation, with authorities vowing to enhance protocols.

The Mona Lisa, valued for its enigmatic smile and intricate sfumato technique, has been a magnet for both admiration and protest since its creation in the early 16th century.

Housed in the Louvre since 1797, the painting attracts over 10 million visitors annually, generating significant revenue but also security challenges.

The 2025 vandalism attempt follows a 2022 incident where a protester smeared cake on the protective glass to highlight environmental concerns, and a 2009 case involving a thrown ceramic cup.

Each event shows the painting's vulnerability despite its fortified enclosure, installed after a 1956 acid attack and rock-throwing incident damaged the canvas.

Louvre officials confirmed the Mona Lisa sustained no damage, crediting the triple-layered, 1.5-inch-thick glass encasement, upgraded in 2019 for $7 million.

The perpetrator, described as a young adult wearing a hooded jacket, was detained by museum security and handed to Paris police, who are investigating motives, potentially linked to socio-political activism, according to a 2025 Le Monde report.

The incident disrupted operations, with the Louvre closing the Mona Lisa's gallery for the day, impacting thousands of tourists. Museum director Laurence des Cars called for stricter entry checks, including advanced AI-based screening, to prevent future breaches.

Art enthusiasts and critics alike are debating the balance between public access and artwork protection. A 2025 ArtNews article noted that the Mona Lisa's cultural significance makes it a target for activists, with past protests involving soup-throwing and graffiti linked to climate and feminist causes.

Some users on Reddit's r/ArtHistory argue that moving the painting to a less accessible gallery could reduce risks, though others counter that its prominence demands public visibility.

Security experts suggest the Louvre's current measures-metal detectors, bag checks, and 24/7 surveillance, are insufficient for high-profile pieces. A 2024 Sotheby's report highlighted that 30% of global museum thefts target iconic works, with the Mona Lisa's fame amplifying its risk.

Proposals include limiting daily visitors to the Salle des Etats or using holographic displays, as trialed at Florence's Uffizi Gallery in 2023. However, Louvre curators argue such measures could diminish the painting's allure, which draws $500 million annually in tourism revenue, per a 2025 Forbes estimate.

Critics of the Louvre's approach point to systemic issues, including understaffed security teams and outdated crowd management. A 2025 Guardian article revealed that staff shortages led to 20-minute delays in responding to a 2023 protest, raising concerns about emergency preparedness.

The Mona Lisa's small size, 30 inches by 21 inches, makes it easier to target, unlike larger works like The Wedding at Cana, housed nearby. Art conservationist Dr. Elena Rossi suggested encasing the painting in a climate-controlled vault with limited viewing windows, a model used for Michelangelo's David.

The incident has also revived discussions about the Mona Lisa's cultural role. Stolen in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia, the painting's recovery in 1913 cemented its global fame, a phenomenon dubbed the "Mona Lisa effect" by historians.

Its image, reproduced on everything from mugs to NFTs, underscores its status, yet fuels activist targeting, as noted in a 2025 Hyperallergic piece. The Louvre plans to collaborate with Interpol and UNESCO to enhance security training, while Paris police are reviewing CCTV footage to trace the suspect's entry, suspecting a coordinated protest.

As the Louvre reopens the Mona Lisa gallery today, the incident underscores the challenges of safeguarding cultural treasures in an era of heightened activism.

The painting's enduring appeal, coupled with its vulnerability, demands innovative solutions to ensure its preservation for future generations, balancing accessibility with robust protection.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.