Cecilia Giménez, an untrained artist from Spain who gained fame for her unconventional restoration of a 20th-century fresco, has died at 94. Her death was confirmed by Eduardo Arilla, mayor of Borja, a town in northeastern Spain, on December 29, as reported by the local outlet Heraldo. Giménez was residing in a nursing home in Borja at the time of her passing.
In 2012, with the approval of a local priest at Santuario de Misericordia, Giménez attempted to restore an aging fresco of Jesus Christ by Elías García Martínez, titled “Ecce Homo.” Her rendition, a whimsical reinterpretation of the original, was initially criticized as a botched effort. Town officials initially suspected vandalism and considered legal action against her.
However, Giménez’s rendition quickly gained popularity online, with many viewing it as a unique piece of art. This newfound fame attracted numerous tourists to Borja, significantly benefiting the local economy, particularly the restaurant sector, as noted by the New York Times. By 2016, the church sold various souvenirs featuring the infamous “Monkey Christ” design, and the piece inspired cultural spinoffs like an opera, memes, and Halloween costumes.
Born in 1931, Giménez was a self-taught painter, primarily creating landscapes and minor restorations in religious settings. She worked at a local bar while raising two sons, both of whom celebrated their first communion at the church. The Borja City Council praised her as “kind and compassionate,” highlighting her strength and resilience throughout life’s challenges.
Giménez’s passing has sparked a global outpouring of tributes, underscoring her widespread influence. Argentine artist Fernanda Laguna expressed her admiration on Instagram, writing, “Goodbye, cosmic kite, immortal goddess, spiritual guide, artistic icon. I love you to infinity and beyond.”
