Introducing our Ecce Homo, Behold the Man, Borja Spain, SR Catholic Christian Religious Fresco stretched Matte Canvas 1.25"!
Elevate your space with this stunning Matte Canvas print that captures the essence of creativity and unique artistic expression. Eighty-three year old amateur artist Cecilia Giménez had nothing but good intentions when she turned her attention towards a deteriorating fresco of Jesus Christ painted on the walls of the Sanctuary of Mercy church, in the small Spanish town of Borja. The fresco titled Ecce Homo (meaning “Behold the Man”) was made by the Spanish artist Elías García Martínez in 1930, and although the work was of “little artistic importance”, according to the general opinion amongst the press, because “Martínez is not a great artist and his painting Ecce Homo is not a ‘masterpiece,’” the fresco nevertheless held some sentimental value within the local community. So when the original paint on the fresco started flaking, Cecilia Giménez, who had no formal training, took it upon herself to restore the ageing artwork. Giménez began touching up the portrait, one brushstroke at a time over several years, with the knowledge of the parish priest and the church caretakers, until one day, in the summer of 2012, when she decided that the work needed a major overhaul. Halfway through her ‘restoration’, Giménez went on a holiday, because the job was taking longer than she expected. She intended to complete it when she came back, but for good or bad, she never got the chance. By the time she returned, her disastrous efforts had been discovered and Giménez became a global laughingstock. The botched effort became the talk of the internet, inspiring a slew of memes and jokes. Journalists likened the restoration to Rowan Atkinson’s Mr. Bean defacing Whistler’s Mother. Some compared the painting to a blurry potato and a monkey. Others dubbed it Beast Jesus and Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey). Giménez felt so humiliated that she cried for days and refused to eat, her relatives said. Eventually, she went to a psychiatrist and took medication. At one point, García Martínez’s heirs threatened to sue Giménez for destroying the painting, but fortunately for her, they didn’t follow through. Now, by a strange twist of fate, the small obscure town of Borja have suddenly found itself on the international tourist trail. Every year, tens of thousands of curious visitors with a grotesque sense of humor come from the far corners of the world to see with their own eyes the tragic fiasco, and leave with souvenirs such as mugs and t-shirt printed with the ‘new and improved’ Ecce Homo. Cecilia Giménez, who’s restoration attempt was once ridiculed and mocked, is now a local celebrity. She hands out prizes for a competition of young artists, who paint their own “Ecce Homo” portraits. People recognize her on the streets and cry, 'It's Cecilia! It's Cecilia!' She’s even entitled to forty-nine percent of the proceeds that results from souvenir sales. The rest goes to the Martinez family. Cecilia Giménez might have failed to restore the painting, but she did manage to restore the fortunes of the town. The influx of tourist has helped stabilized the economy of Borja, which was reeling under the devastating recession that the rest of Spain has been suffering over the past several years. It’s a miracle how it has boosted tourism. Why are people coming to see it if it is such a terrible work of art? It’s a pilgrimage of sorts, driven by the media into a phenomenon. God works in mysterious ways. Your disaster could be my miracle. Perfect for art lovers, this canvas effortlessly complements various home decor styles, bringing a warm, welcoming atmosphere to your living room, bedroom, or office. Ideal for gifting during celebrations such as housewarmings, birthdays, or holidays, this piece will resonate with anyone looking to add a distinctive touch to their environment. Its thoughtful design makes it a fantastic conversation starter, encouraging creativity and inspiration in any setting. Product features - Rubber dots on bottom ensure stability when hung - High-quality images printed with unique coating and eco-friendly inks - Sustainable craftsmanship using FSC-certified pine wood - Available in multiple sizes, including vertical and horizontal options - Includes back hanging for easy installation Care instructions - If the canvas does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, damp cloth. NOTE: If you purchase more than one item, they will likely arrive in different packages and on different days. It is our desire to get you your items as quickly as they are available and not make your entire order wait on one item that may take longer in production. All items are made for you when you order them and are sent out as soon as they are ready.
NOTE: If you purchase more than one item, they will likely arrive in different packages and on different days. It is our desire to get you your items as quickly as they are available and not make your entire order wait on one item that may take longer in production. All items are made for you when you order them and are sent out as soon as they are ready.

 


EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY
Product information: Generic brand, 2 year warranty in EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC
Care instructions: If the canvas does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, damp cloth.