Cecilia Giménez, Painter Behind Botched ‘Monkey Christ’ Restoration, Dies At 94

Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish amateur painter whose botched restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco became a global viral sensation, has died at 94. Her 2012 attempt to repair the deteriorating church painting in Borja transformed the artwork into the now‑famous “Monkey Christ,” sparking worldwide memes and unexpected tourism. Though initially overwhelmed by criticism, Giménez later embraced her accidental fame, with the restored fresco becoming a cultural landmark that revitalised her hometown. Widowed young and devoted to caring for her two disabled children, she is remembered for her resilience and for unintentionally reshaping internet and art‑world history.