Louvre may loan Mona Lisa despite conservation risks

French culture minister Françoise Nyssen has mandated that the Louvre Museum may loan the Mona Lisa, citing a need to combat "cultural segregation." The decision has sparked criticism from art historians and conservators who warn of the risks of transporting fragile old master paintings. The Mona Lisa has not left its wall since 1974. The article argues that loans often cause hidden damage requiring immediate restoration, effectively falsifying the artwork over time. The author, Fabrizio Federici, calls for a sustainable exhibition model with limited loans, but notes no political or institutional awareness of the problem. The Louvre itself has expressed opposition to moving the painting. The piece was published before the Louvre's official statement.