Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish artist renowned for her controversial restoration of a historic fresco, has passed away at the age of 94. Giménez gained international fame in 2012 when her attempt to restore the fresco titled Ecce Homo in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in Borja, Spain, transformed the depiction of Jesus into what many humorously dubbed “Monkey Jesus.” Her well-meaning but misguided effort sparked both laughter and outrage, capturing the attention of the global media.
The fresco, painted by Elias Garcia Martinez in the 19th century, had suffered extensive damage from water exposure and other factors. In a bid to help, Giménez took matters into her own hands, unaware that a donation for proper restoration had already been made by the artist’s granddaughter to a local preservation center. Her amateur touch-up led to a significant public backlash, as the restoration rendered Jesus with features critics likened to a “hairy monkey.”
Borja’s mayor, Eduardo Arilla, confirmed Giménez’s death, reflecting on her passion for painting and her lasting impact on the community. “In August 2012, she was worldwide news as the protagonist of ‘Ecce Homo de Borja,’” he stated. “The world knew her through this nice anecdote, but all of us already knew the great person she was.”
The fresco, while not considered valuable in monetary terms, holds significant sentimental value for the local population. Following the viral spread of “Monkey Jesus,” tourism in Borja surged, with visitor numbers reportedly increasing eight-fold in the year after the restoration. In 2013, the influx of tourists helped raise €50,000 for charity initiatives, showcasing the unexpected positive outcome of Giménez’s efforts.
Despite the initial ridicule, Giménez embraced her unintended fame. She subsequently held an exhibition featuring 28 of her original works, further cementing her place in the art community. The controversial fresco continues to attract between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors each year, drawn by the story and the unique nature of the restoration.
Mayor Arilla praised Giménez not just for her artistic contributions but also for her character. He described her as a “strong woman and a selfless, deeply fighting mother” who faced numerous challenges throughout her life, showcasing “sacrifice, courage, and steadfastness.”
Giménez’s story is not the only instance of a botched restoration in Spain. In 2018, a similar incident occurred when a local priest commissioned a schoolteacher to restore a priceless 16th-century statue of Saint George. The results of that restoration also drew widespread criticism, echoing the missteps of Giménez’s earlier work.
Cecilia Giménez’s legacy will be remembered not only for the laughter she inspired but also for her indomitable spirit and dedication to her community. Her story serves as a reminder of the human impulse to contribute, even when the results can be unexpected.
