Chained In Art Protest

Italian Senator Paolo Amato, chained himself to a column outside the Uffizi Gallery in Florence to protest the loan of Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation to the Tokyo National Art Museum, reports the New York Times' Steven McElroy. Culture Minister Francesco Rutelli insisted on the loan, despite the contention of about one hundred leading cultural figures that the art is too fragile to travel. The tempera on wood painting, which Leonardo did between 1472 and 1475, shows the archangel Gabriel kneeling before Mary and informing her that she will conceive Jesus Christ. It was insured for €100 million (about $131.8 million) and secured in a waterproof and fireproof case for the trip. The painting is to be shown from as part of the Italian Spring festival, a series of events promoting Italian culture. (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art