The Prado Museum in Spain has confirmed the authenticity of a painting titled “Ecce Homo” as a work by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, which was previously considered lost. The painting will be publicly displayed in the museum from May 27th to October as a special exhibition. The painting was due to be auctioned in Madrid in 2021 but was pulled from the auction after Spanish authorities suspected it may actually be a Caravaggio. Since then, the owners have carried out studies and restoration work, confirming the painting’s attribution to Caravaggio.
“Ecce Homo” is one of only around 60 known works by Caravaggio in existence, making it one of the most valuable old master artworks in the world. The painting, believed to have been painted around 1605-09, is a depiction of the Biblical passage of Jesus Christ being presented to the crowds before his crucifixion. The work measures 44 by 34 inches and has been under the custodianship of the Colnaghi art gallery in collaboration with experts since April 2021. The painting was restored by specialist Andrea Cipriani and his team under the supervision of experts from the Madrid regional government.
The painting was once believed to have been part of the private collection of Phillip IV of Spain and has been in the hands of a family in Madrid since the 19th century. Recently, the painting was sold to an individual who wanted it to be publicly displayed in the Prado Museum. The museum’s director, Miguel Falomir, expressed his happiness to be able to present this new, unseen work of Caravaggio to the public and critics. The value of an authentic Caravaggio painting could be in the tens of millions of dollars. However, the painting will not be allowed to leave Spain without government permission, despite now being in private ownership.
The discovery of the authenticity of “Ecce Homo” represents one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art since its reappearance at an auction three years ago. The painting was initially attributed to a disciple of a 17th-century Spanish painter, José de Ribera, and was set to be auctioned with a starting price tag of $1,600. However, Spanish authorities halted the auction in April 2022 and placed an export ban on the painting after the Prado Museum alerted the government to the possibility that it could be a Caravaggio. Since then, the painting has undergone restoration work and studies leading to its confirmation as a work by Caravaggio.
The Prado Museum is thrilled to be the stage for the public presentation of this significant work by Caravaggio. The museum has described the painting as a significant addition to the limited number of known works by the Italian master. The opportunity for the public to see such a rare and valuable piece of art is a unique and exciting event for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Despite now being in private ownership, the painting will be available for public viewing in the museum for several months. The confirmation of the painting’s attribution to Caravaggio adds to the legacy of the artist and his contributions to the world of art.
