Mishap · Activism

Fewer Seasons Left to Paint

Climate change arrives at the Musée d'Orsay

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Fewer Seasons Left to Paint

Image: Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

Incident ReportCOA / MISHAPS
Accidental Damage Rating
Repair Cost
None (unharmed)
Curator's Blood Pressure
77%
Embarrassment Level
4/10
Recovered?
Unharmed
Selfie Involved?
No

An activist adhered a printed image of Monet's 'Poppy Field' transformed by a warmer climate onto its protective glazing, then glued a hand to the gallery wall.

In June 2024 Monet's luminous 'Poppy Field' became the latest masterpiece caught in the wave of climate protests sweeping European museums. The activist attached an altered version of the landscape to the glass and delivered a speech warning of environmental collapse.

The original painting remained unharmed, but the action generated headlines around the world. Monet painted changing seasons. The protesters warned there may soon be fewer seasons left to paint.