Local economy of Borja boosted as botched 'Ecce Homo' popularity soars

The small town of Borja in north-eastern Spain has attracted the world's attention in past days after a nineteenth century work representing Jesus Christ was spoiled by an 80-year-old woman who tried to restore it.

The fresco painting, painted by artist Elias Garcia Martinez, is entitled 'Ecce Homo' ('Behold the Man'), but Spanish jokers have renamed it 'Ecce Mono' ('Behold the Monkey') since its restoration by Cecilia Jimenez.

The mishap has not only become a hit on social networks, but it has seen a mass of tourists descending on the town.

Jimenez has sought to defend herself, saying she had good intentions and claiming the priest of the Church gave permission for the restoration. "Cecilia is a woman who likes painting very much and who has exhibited her work and sold much of it, and she has the sensibility for these things. But she lost it a little bit here," the Mayor of Borja Francisco Miguel Arilla, told Reuters.

Jimenez, a devoted Roman Catholic, has previously restored other art works, including pieces at the convent of Santa Clara, a closed order also in Borja.

A picture representing the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ in her arms is one of her restoration works, as is a golden tabernacle at the altar of the convent.

"There are two closed order convents in Borja and Cecilia has helped out with the restoration of some of the art pieces they have at the convent and it turned out great. It looks great. But here it is on the wall, a very humid wall, and the restoration couldn't be done in the way Cecilia was doing it, even though it was with her best intention," Mayor Arilla said.

Despite some criticism, residents in the town of Borja defended their neighbour. "She has restored pictures before and also the one we are talking about. But this time she wanted more and she lost it. But she isn't finished, she had to leave it that way and she isn't finished yet. And now they are deciding whether they leave it the way it is or they restore it again," Borja resident Cecilio said.

"The truth is that we should be thanking her because of how much it has helped catering trade in town. It is amazing. And up where the church is the same thing has happened. We were having economic problems and thanks to this woman we are recovering. They are crucifying her and, to be honest, I don't get it," said Borja resident Raquel.

A professional art restoration team is expected to arrive in Borja on Monday (August 27) to make an assessment of the state of the fresco and determine whether it can be fixed.