Cecilia Giménez, the Iconic Artist Known for the Failed Restoration of Ecce Homo, Passes Away

Art Legend Cecilia Giménez Has Passed Away

Cecilia Giménez, a 94-year-old woman from Borja, Spain, known for her failed restoration of a fresco dedicated to Jesus Christ, has recently passed away. The famous fresco, titled Ecce Homo, was restored by Giménez 13 years ago, and the outcome went viral, earning the nickname "Monkey Christ" due to the resemblance of Christ's head to that of a monkey.

The mayor of Borja, Eduardo Arilla, confirmed her passing on Facebook, highlighting her love for painting since her youth and paying tribute to her infamous restoration. "Cecilia, with the best intentions, decided to repaint the artwork due to the poor state of conservation it was in," he wrote.

The Ecce Homo fresco, created by 19th-century painter Elias García Martínez, has been displayed at the Sanctuary of Mercy near Zaragoza, where it has been preserved for over 100 years. In 2012, Giménez claimed she had permission from the local priest to conduct the restoration, stating that anyone entering the church would have noticed the work was being repainted.

The impact of the restoration led to a surge in tourism in Borja, a city that previously received only 5,000 visitors a year. By 2013, the number of tourists had risen to over 40,000, and the city raised more than 50,000 euros for charity. Currently, between 15,000 and 20,000 tourists visit Borja annually to see the iconic fresco, which is now protected by a glass panel.

Following this experience, Giménez organized an art exhibition featuring 28 of her own works, being appreciated for her generosity and dedication to the church. "Rest in peace, Cecilia, we will always remember you," wrote Mayor Arilla.