Botched fresco draws crowds in Spain

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Botched fresco draws crowds in Spain

Damage done to prized 19th-century fresco in Borja has drawn more than 40,000 visitors and raised $66,000.

Last Modified: 14 Aug 2013 02:22
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An unauthorised attempt by a Spanish woman to restore a prized 19th-century fresco of Jesus has become a global sensation.

The botched artwork, that drew ire a year ago, has drawn more than 40,000 visitors to the 80-year-old Cecilia Jimenez’s hometown of Borja and raised some $66,000 for charity.

Authorities decided the damage to the original was too great to repair, but it has become an even greater draw as a result.

Al Jazeera’s Gerald Tan reports.

 

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By Alex Wynick

Ruined Jesus fresco restoration in Spain goes from monstrosity to money spinner

14 Aug 2013 13:00

Ruined fresco was laughed at around the world, but has raised over £42,000 for charity

The Spanish woman whose botched restoration of a religious fresco was mocked around the world has come out laughing.

The ruined fresco of Jesus with a crown of thorns, called "Ecce Homo" (Behold the Man), has attracted more than 40,000 visitors and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

More than 50,000 euros (£42,900) has been raised for the Sancti Spiritus foundation which owns the church with the fresco, since it became famous around the world.

The money was raised by charging visitors one euro to see the fresco.

The town, Borja in Spain, have even produced merchandise for tourists to take home, and artist Cecilia Gimenez should get 49% of the profits.

Francisco Miguel Arilla, president of the foundation, admitted that the "repair" was embarrassing for the church.

"It was a tough year for Cecilia and also for the foundation. The initial 2 months were quite difficult but, oh well, in the end, time puts everything in its place."

As well as this, Gimenez has hosted her own art exhibition, with over twenty of her other paintings on show for until August 24.

The 80-year-old Spanish artist said she was overwhelmed and upset by the attention. "I am happy because [the neighbours] are being very nice to me. People are being very nice. There are people who supported me a lot and I am very happy because of that," she said on Tuesday.

She decided to touch up the fresco last year because the damp air had caused the paint to flake off the wall.

But "Ecce Homo" soon became "Ecce Mono" - Behold the Monkey.