The Prado Museum in Spain has confirmed the authenticity of a painting, “Ecce Homo,” as a work by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio. The painting was considered lost until its reappearance at an auction three years ago. It will be publicly displayed at the museum from May 27 to October as a special exhibition. The painting, believed to have once been part of the private collection of Phillip IV of Spain, is one of only around 60 known works by Caravaggio in existence and is considered one of the most valuable old master artworks in the world.
In April 2022, Spanish authorities halted an auction of the painting, which was then attributed to a disciple of a 17th-century Spanish painter, José de Ribera. The value of an authentic Caravaggio painting would stretch into tens of millions of dollars, if not more. Prado Museum Director Miguel Falomir confirmed that after studies and restoration, it was discovered that the painting is indeed a work by Caravaggio that arrived in Spain in the 17th century. The painting had been in the hands of a family in Madrid since the 19th century and was recently sold to an individual who wanted it publicly displayed at the Prado Museum.
The oil-on-canvas work depicts the Biblical passage of the Ecce Homo, in which Jesus Christ is presented to the crowds before being crucified. Measuring 44 by 34 inches, the painting will not be allowed to leave Spain without government permission, despite being owned by a private individual. Since April 2021, the painting has been under the custodianship of the Colnaghi art gallery in collaboration with experts. It was restored by specialist Andrea Cipriani and his team under the supervision of experts from the Madrid regional government.
The discovery and confirmation of the painting as a Caravaggio work represents one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art according to the museum. The Prado Museum will unveil the painting to the public for the first time later this month, following an agreement with its new owner, who has not been identified. The painting has not been seen publicly since its disappearance and reappearance at the auction three years ago, making its public display at the museum a significant event in the art world.
The significance of the painting’s authenticity lies in its attribution to Caravaggio, one of the most renowned Baroque artists in history. With only around 60 known works by Caravaggio in existence, the value of an authentic painting by the artist is immense. The discovery of “Ecce Homo” as a Caravaggio work adds to the artist’s legacy and contributes to our understanding of his oeuvre. The painting’s unveiling at the Prado Museum will provide art lovers and scholars with a unique opportunity to see a previously lost work by a master artist.
