Rescued Caravaggio Painting Showcased at Prado Museum in Madrid
A recently discovered Caravaggio masterpiece, saved from being sold at a fraction of its value, is now on public display at the prestigious Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. Learn about the captivating journey of this remarkable artwork's rescue and restoration.
A lost Caravaggio painting that was nearly sold for a low price at auction is now being showcased at the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain. The painting, called "Ecce Homo," was created by the famous Italian artist between 1606-09. It will be part of a unique exhibition at the museum starting Tuesday.
The painting shows Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, blood dripping down his face and onto his chest. To the left of him is Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor in Judea. Behind Jesus, another figure holds a red robe over his shoulders.
Caravaggio, whose full name is Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, is famous for his powerful and intense portrayals of violent scenes.
A photographer taking a picture of "Ecce Homo."
A photographer taking a picture of "Ecce Homo."
Caravaggio painted “Ecce Homo” at the end of his life while he was living in exile in Naples, accused of murder after fleeing Rome. During this time, his artistic style became darker and more somber.
IItaly, Lazio, Rome, Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi. Whole artwork view. Globe world divinity Jupiter air Pluto Earth Cerberus three heads dog Neptune water nude body trident pitchfork gray horse, photographic campaign 2009.
In Rome, Italy, specifically in Lazio, you can find the Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi. This artwork showcases various elements like the globe, the world divinities such as Jupiter, air, Pluto, Earth, Cerberus the three-headed dog, Neptune, water, a nude body, a trident, a pitchfork, and a gray horse. This photo was taken during a photographic campaign in 2009.
Mondadori Portfolio/Hulton Fine Art Collection/Getty Images
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According to the museum, the painting is one of only about 60 pieces by Caravaggio that are known to exist, making it one of the most valuable old master artworks globally.
Formerly part of King Philip IV’s art collection, the painting was later acquired by the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. In 1823, the artwork was exchanged with a politician named Evaristo Pérez de Castro, as reported by the museum.
It remained within the same family for years, with its significance overlooked. However, in April 2021, the painting resurfaced at the Ansorena auction house with a starting price of 1,500 euros ($1,600). It was attributed to a student of the renowned Spanish painter José de Ribera.
Experts from the Prado Museum pointed out a mistake in attributing a painting to Spain's Ministry of Culture. As a result, an export ban was placed on the artwork and it was declared a national treasure. Jorge Coll, the CEO of Colnaghi Gallery in Madrid, shared this information with CNN on Tuesday.
Judith and Holofernes, a 1607 Caravaggio painting believed lost for over 100 years which will go on auction in June.
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Coll then worked with leading experts to authenticate and restore the painting before selling it to the current owner. Coll mentioned to CNN that he cannot disclose the buyer's identity or the purchase price due to legal reasons.
The museum described the painting as "one of the greatest discoveries in art history," noting the quick and unanimous agreement on its authenticity.
It has also been restored “in an informed and rigorous manner,” reads the statement.
“Ecce Homo” will be displayed at the Prado Museum until October 13.
Both the previous owner and the buyer were keen for the painting to go on public display at the Prado, said Coll.
“It means the world,” he said. “Everybody has to go and see it.”
Editor's P/S:
The rediscovery of Caravaggio's "Ecce Homo" is a testament to the enduring power and significance of art. Despite being nearly sold for a paltry sum, the painting's true value was recognized by experts, leading to its restoration and acquisition by a private collector. Now, it is gracing the walls of the Prado Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the genius of one of the most influential artists of all time.
Caravaggio's "Ecce Homo" is a powerful and evocative depiction of Jesus Christ, capturing the moment when he was presented to the crowd by Pontius Pilate. The painting is characterized by its intense realism, with Jesus's suffering and anguish vividly portrayed. The dark and somber colors, along with the use of chiaroscuro, create a sense of drama and tension. The painting is a testament to Caravaggio's mastery of light and shadow, and his ability to convey human emotion with raw power.
