The Museo Nacional del Prado is showcasing the rediscovered Caravaggio masterpiece, *Ecce Homo*. Thanks to the generosity of its new owner, this exceptional piece by the renowned Italian painter is on display in a special single-piece exhibition in room 8A, from May 28 until October 13, 2024.
Created by Caravaggio between 1605 and 1609, and believed to have once belonged to the private collection of Philip IV of Spain, *Ecce Homo* is one of only about 60 known works by the artist, making it one of the most valuable old master paintings in the world. This addition enriches the Museo Nacional del Prado’s permanent collection, which includes another rare Caravaggio piece in a Spanish collection, *David and Goliath*. This painting has recently been restored, recovering its original colors and contrasts.
When the Prado Museum informed Spain’s Ministry of Culture about the significance of the painting that resurfaced at the Ansorena auction house in April 2021, initially attributed to a student of José de Ribera, the artwork was placed under the care of the Colnaghi art gallery in collaboration with Filippo Benappi (Benappi Fine Art) and Andrea Lullo (Lullo Pampoulides). Restoration was meticulously carried out by Andrea Cipriani and his team, under the supervision of experts from the Comunidad de Madrid regional government.
Since its dramatic reappearance at auction three years ago, *Ecce Homo* has emerged as one of the most significant art discoveries in history, swiftly gaining unanimous recognition regarding its authenticity. A thorough diagnostic analysis by Claudio Falcucci, a nuclear engineer specializing in applying scientific methods to the study and preservation of cultural heritage, informed the meticulous restoration process. Each step was based on a comprehensive evaluation of the painting’s materials, their specific deterioration processes, and its conservation history, solidifying its attribution to the Italian master, Caravaggio.
The unveiling of *Ecce Homo* and the announcement of its loan to the Prado Museum are accompanied by a collaborative publication featuring essays by prominent experts such as Keith Christiansen, Gianni Papi, Giuseppe Porzio, and Maria Cristina Terzaghi. This publication, titled *Caravaggio: The Ecce Homo Unveiled*, highlights the monumental significance of the work and serves as a crucial resource for understanding this remarkable addition to Caravaggio’s body of work.
