Van Gogh’s iconic ‘Sunflowers’ back on display after being vandalized | World news

Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting has been restored and put back on display at London’s National Gallery after it was vandalized by climate activists campaigning against fossil fuel extraction.

The development – which came about six hours after the event – was confirmed by the gallery.

He also said the painting was unharmed, barring “some minor damage to the frame”.

Climate activists from a group called ‘Just Stop Oil’ have thrown a knife at one of the Dutch artist’s most iconic works – in an attempt to draw the UK government’s attention to the upcoming oil and gas projects, which they want to stop.

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media platforms, shows two protesters firing knives from two cans on the oil painting and its shiny frame.

The duo later glued themselves to the gallery wall and asked: “What is worth more, art or life?”

“Are you more concerned about the safety of the painting or the safety of our planet and people?”

No damage is caused to the masterpiece because of the glass that protects it.

London police have arrested two people on suspicion of criminal damage and aggravated assault, the AP news agency reported.

The painting ‘Sunflowers’ is among Van Gogh’s most loved works.

The painting – targeted by activists to make a point – is one of several versions painted by him in the late 1880s, most of which are on display in galleries and museums around the world.

The group involved in the incident has drawn both attention and criticism for targeting art in museums.

They have already attached themselves to the frame of an early copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and to John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” at the National Gallery.

(With AP inputs)