Event at the Prado, the rescued Caravaggio finally exhibited
Prado National Museum
From May 28 to February 23, 2024
The announcement of the upcoming exhibition of Ecce Homo by Caravaggio at the Prado Museum in Madrid arouses unprecedented enthusiasm in the world of art.
Initially attributed to a disciple of José de Ribera, the Ecce Homo was put up for auction in 2021 for the paltry sum of 1,500 euros{ 14}, before being withdrawn from sale by the Spanish government due to doubts about its attribution. After in-depth analysis, experts concluded that the painting was indeed an authentic work by Caravaggio, thus adding a new piece to the puzzle of art history.
The work's authentication process, overseen by renowned specialists in Caravaggio and Baroque painting, confirmed its attribution to the famous Italian artist. This oil on canvas, dating from 1605 to 1609, is one of sixty known works by Caravaggio, which gives it exceptional value.
After two years of careful restoration, the Ecce Homo was loaned to the Prado Museum by its new owner (whose identity and purchase price are unknown) for a few months. It will be unveiled to the public during a unique exhibition, offering visitors a unique opportunity to contemplate this masterpiece of Baroque art.
The Ecce Homo of Caravaggio depicts a dramatic moment from the Passion, where the Roman governor Pontius Pilate presents Jesus to the people by declaring "Ecce homo" ("Behold the man") . This scene, painted with striking technical mastery and expressiveness, testifies to Caravaggio's genius in the representation of human emotions.
Ecce Homo offers a complementary vision of the artistic genius of the Italian master and testifies to his lasting impact on the history of art.
