In a brazen act of environmental protest, climate activists have targeted a priceless 133-year-old painting of Christopher Columbus, hurling red paint across the historic artwork during a disturbance at Madrid's renowned cultural institution.
Dramatic Museum Confrontation
The incident unfolded within the hallowed halls of the Spanish capital's prestigious museum, where members of the activist group Futuro Vegetal launched their controversial demonstration. Security footage captures the moment protesters approached the protected artwork before unleashing streams of bright red paint across its surface.
Activists' Demands for Decolonisation
The group, known for its radical environmental stance, justified their actions by calling for the "decolonisation" of Spain's cultural institutions. In a statement following the incident, they declared the protest aimed to highlight what they described as "ecocide and ethnocide" linked to historical figures like Columbus.
"We cannot stand idly by while our cultural spaces celebrate figures associated with environmental destruction and colonial violence," a representative for the activists claimed.
Security Response and Aftermath
Museum security personnel swiftly intervened, physically removing the protesters from the premises as the red paint dripped down the protected glass covering the artwork. The 19th-century painting, created in 1891, suffered potential damage despite protective measures.
Cultural preservation experts have expressed grave concern about the long-term effects on the historic piece, while museum administrators assess the full extent of the damage.
Growing Trend of Art-Targeted Protests
This incident represents the latest in a series of environmental protests targeting cultural heritage across Europe. Similar groups have gained notoriety for attacking famous artworks and monuments to draw attention to climate change concerns.
Spanish authorities have condemned the act, with cultural officials describing it as "an attack on our shared heritage that does nothing to advance environmental causes."
The incident has sparked renewed debate about security measures in cultural institutions and the ethical boundaries of environmental activism.
