A painting thought to be by Caravaggio, titled "Ecce Homo," and dating from around 1605-1609, will be displayed at the Prado Museum in Madrid from May 28 until October.
Credit:theartnewspaper.com
Originally listed at a Madrid auction in 2021 for a mere €1,500 and misattributed to the circle of José de Ribera, the painting depicting Jesus crowned with thorns before his crucifixion caught the attention of the Prado Museum. The museum alerted Spain’s Ministry of Culture to the painting's potential significance, suggesting it could indeed be a genuine work by Caravaggio based on stylistic and documentary grounds.
This intervention prompted Spanish authorities to place an export ban on the artwork and grant it protected status, followed by a thorough authentication process led by the Colnaghi gallery with the collaboration of various experts.
The artwork has since undergone extensive restoration and diagnostic analysis. It has a storied provenance, having been owned by Spanish royalty and aristocracy, and remained with a family until its recent change of ownership in 2024. The upcoming display at the Prado coincides with a resurgence of interest in Caravaggio’s work, known for his dramatic influence on Baroque art and his compelling, often dark thematic elements.
At Aston Walbrook, we eagerly anticipate the re-exhibition of this masterpiece. We also recommend viewing "The Last Caravaggio," available at The National Gallery in London until July 21st. Caravaggio's powerful portrayal of Baroque themes continues to captivate audiences, particularly in recent years.
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