Cecilia Giménez, Artist Known for Notorious Restoration of Ecce Homo, Dies at 94

Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish artist famous for her unintended creation “Beast Jesus,” passed away at 94 in Borja, Spain. Known for her infamous restoration attempt of a fresco depicting Jesus Christ in 2012, Giménez transformed Elías García Martínez’s “Ecce Homo” into a viral sensation. Initially met with dismay, her work quickly gained fame, turning Borja into a tourist hotspot and revitalizing local businesses.

Born in 1931, Giménez was an amateur artist who enjoyed painting landscapes and retouching church artworks. Her restoration of the fresco, nicknamed “Monkey Christ,” inspired cultural phenomena, including an opera, memes, and merchandise.

The Borja City Council honored her legacy, recognizing her resilience and impact. Worldwide tributes pour in, celebrating Giménez as an artistic icon and cultural figure. Despite its initial criticism, her work continues to inspire and entertain globally.