Not bad for an amateur artist ©Associated Press
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Elias Garcia Martinez’s “Ecce Homo” fresco made headlines last year when a local parishioner attempted to restore the work of art.
The original, housed in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church in Borja, Spain depicts Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns. Last August, parishioner Cecilia Gimenez attempted to restore the original and painted over the fresco. Her attempt looked more like a monkey and was affectionately dubbed “Ecce Mono” (“Behold the monkey”) and the “Monkey Christ”.
Now, after a year of ridicule, Gimenez’s restoration has welcomed thousands of visitors to the church, and raised funds for the local community. A merchandising deal is also in the works. Read more on the Monkey Christ’s rise in popularity from The Atlantic Wire.