The prestigious Prado museum in Madrid is set to unveil a long-lost treasure: an authentic Caravaggio painting titled ‘Ecce Homo’. This revelation comes after a dramatic turn of events surrounding the artwork’s authenticity.(Published by DailyDosz.)
Initially mistaken as a creation by an unknown artist, the painting nearly faced auction in April 2021, with a starting bid of 1,500 euros. However, just before the auction, suspicions arose, halting the sale. Experts from the Prado museum intervened, suggesting the piece might indeed be a Caravaggio.
After rigorous analysis and scrutiny, the museum declared the painting an unequivocal Caravaggio masterpiece. The announcement marks a significant moment in art history, with experts hailing it as one of the greatest discoveries in the field.
The ‘Ecce Homo’ painting, portraying a bloodied Jesus adorned with a crown of thorns, will be publicly displayed for the first time since its authentication. The unveiling, scheduled for Monday, promises to attract art enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Reports indicate that the painting’s new custodian, a British resident in Spain, acquired it for a staggering 36 million euros. Despite its private ownership, there are discussions about extending its public exhibition beyond the Prado museum.
Art historians, including Professor Maria Cristina Terzaghi, played a pivotal role in affirming the painting’s authenticity. Terzaghi, upon first sight of the artwork, immediately recognized its potential significance. She noted distinctive Caravaggio traits, from the composition to the masterful use of chiaroscuro.
Caravaggio’s tumultuous life and innovative painting techniques continue to captivate art aficionados worldwide. The confirmation of this long-lost masterpiece adds another chapter to the artist’s enduring legacy.