Climate activists from the group Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) glued themselves to the glass protecting Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera which is displayed at the Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence. The 540-year-old painting Primavera, meaning Spring, is one of the most famous paintings in the world.

The activist group Ultima Gernerazione said on Instagram that the painting was targeted due to its subject matter. It represents “with a finesse of detail that borders on the encyclopaedic - more than 500 botanical species that bloom precisely in the months of spring…This is a reality that we are in danger of losing.”

Two people from the group glued their hands to the glass with the help of a third activist, who unrolled a banner reading “Ultima Generazione No Gas No Carbone” (Last generation, No Gas, No Coal). All three protesters were quickly removed from the gallery by security - it is still unclear whether they will be charged over the incident. No damage was done to Primavera, according to the gallery.

Ultima Generazione released the following statement on their website: “We consulted restorers who advised us to use a glue suitable for glass and frames…In the same way that we defend our artistic heritage, we should be dedicated to the care and protection of the planet that we share with the rest of the world.”

This comes amid a wave of similar protests at UK art institutions and galleries this month. Climate activists from the group Just Stop Oil glued themselves to Giampietrino’s The Last Supper (ca. 1520) at the Royal Academy of Arts and John Constable’s painting The Hay Wain (1821) at the National Gallery in London in just two days. Works by Vincent Van Gogh, Horatio McCulloch, and J.M.W Turner have also been targeted by activists.

Image from The Guardian