Botched Fresco Restorer Cecilia Giménez Dies: A Legacy of Infamy and Laughter
Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish woman renowned for her unintentionally comical restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco, has passed away at the age of 94. In 2012, her attempt to restore the century-old painting in her local church went viral, earning the piece the nickname “Monkey Christ” due to its resemblance to a hairy monkey. Despite initial criticism, the altered painting transformed the town of Borja into a tourist destination, bringing in thousands of visitors and generating substantial charitable donations. Giménez’s legacy includes her enduring impact on the art world, and she was remembered by the town’s mayor for her dedication.
John Q. Hosedrinker