Cecilia Giménez, Known for Botched 'Ecce Homo' Restoration, Dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish amateur artist famous for her failed restoration of the Ecce Homo mural by Elías García Martínez, died at the age of 94. The report was published on 30 December 2025.
In 2012, Giménez attempted to restore the 19th-century mural located at the Santuario de Misericordia in Borja, Aragón, northeastern Spain. The botched restoration quickly became an internet sensation and turned the church into a significant tourist attraction. Visitors came from around the world, with Ryanair even running flights to Zaragoza to facilitate access. Admission fees helped fund the local community.
Giménez suffered an anxiety attack after the incident and reportedly lost about 17 kilograms. Despite the controversy, she donated proceeds from sales of her own art on eBay to Catholic charities. The attention brought by the painting has helped raise approximately €600,000 for Borja’s elderly care home.
In 2023, an opera titled "Behold the Man," inspired by the story of the restoration, premiered in Las Vegas. While Giménez did not attend, her niece was present at the event.
Borja's mayor, Eduardo Arilla, praised Giménez's impact on the town, highlighting that her greatest legacy was the attention and economic benefits she brought to Borja. Proposals include naming the Ecce Homo centre after her and possibly dedicating a street or square in her honour.
The local church remembered Cecilia Giménez as a devoted mother and fighter, noting her generosity which earned her worldwide affection.
