Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish parishioner who made headlines around the world for her botched restoration of a prized Jesus Christ fresco, has died aged 94.
Giménez, from Borja in northeast Spain, became famous 13 years ago after trying to restore the century-old painting titled 'Ecce Homo' in her local church. The restoration received widespread attention, leading to the nickname 'Monkey Christ' due to its humorous and unexpected outcome.
Her death was confirmed by Borja's mayor, Eduardo Arilla, in a heartfelt Facebook post, recognizing Giménez as a 'great lover of painting from a young age.'
Arilla paid tribute to her famous restoration, stating, 'Cecilia, with the best intentions, decided to repaint the work.' The original 'Ecce Homo,' painted by 19th-century artist Elias Garcia Martinez, has been housed in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church for over a century.
Giménez had permission from the local priest to attempt the restoration, and at the time, she explained that anyone could see she was painting over the original.
The botched restoration led to the creation of the 'Monkey Christ' meme and turned Borja into a bustling tourist hub, with visitor numbers skyrocketing from 5,000 to over 40,000 in just one year.
Today, the famous portrait is protected behind glass, drawing between 15,000 to 20,000 tourists each year.
After overcoming the initial backlash, Giménez went on to hold an art exhibition showcasing 28 of her own paintings, earning her praise for her dedication to art and the church.
'Rest in peace Cecilia, we will always remember you,' wrote the mayor in his tribute.
