Cecilia Giménez, Creator of the Viral ‘Beast Jesus’ Restoration, Passes Away at 94
Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish amateur artist who gained unexpected fame for her infamous “Beast Jesus” restoration, has passed away at the age of 94. Known for her attempt to restore a deteriorating fresco of Christ in her local church in Borja, Spain, Giménez’s work became a global sensation in 2012.
The restoration, originally intended to preserve Elías García Martínez’s early 20th-century fresco “Ecce Homo,” instead transformed into a meme-worthy phenomenon. Photographs showcasing the dramatic change from the original painting were shared widely online, propelling the piece into the spotlight as “Beast Jesus.” The revamped depiction of Christ, with its unique interpretation of facial features, quickly became a cultural touchstone, particularly among younger internet users.
Eduardo Arilla, the mayor of Borja, confirmed Giménez’s passing on Facebook, honoring her as “a strong woman, a selfless mother, and a hard worker.” He expressed deep sadness over her death and acknowledged her enduring legacy, known both locally and internationally.
Giménez, who began her journey as a painter later in life, encountered intense criticism and support after her restoration went viral. Initially distressed by the public’s reaction, which included her being labeled as a “crazy, old woman,” Giménez eventually saw her fame lead to new opportunities. The incident was not a rogue act; the church’s priest had endorsed her efforts to repair the fresco.
Despite the controversy, the transformation led to unexpected benefits for Borja. The town experienced a surge in tourism, with visitor numbers increasing from 5,000 annually before 2012 to approximately 40,000 after the viral incident. The “Ecce Homo” fresco remains a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
To accommodate this interest, the town established the Centro de Interpretación Ecce Homo in 2016, which features exhibits in multiple languages and offers official merchandise. Giménez, through an agreement with the local council, received nearly half of the proceeds from merchandise sales, donating much of her share to charities focused on muscular atrophy.
Her story has continued to inspire cultural works, including a music video, a documentary by Sky Arts, and the comic opera “Behold the Man: L’Opéra de Cecilia,” which debuted in the United States in 2023.
Cecilia Giménez’s life and work underscore the unpredictable nature of art and its capacity to create lasting impact, even when outcomes diverge from initial intentions. Her legacy endures, reminding us that sometimes what may seem like a mishap can transform into a cherished cultural moment.
