Emerging from obscurity, a painting initially valued at a mere laptop’s price has been elevated to its rightful place as a multimillion-dollar masterpiece by the Baroque maestro Caravaggio. Titled ‘Ecce Homo,’ this work of art was created between 1605 and 1609, towards the end of the artist’s life. It depicts Pontius Pilate presenting the bound Jesus to the masses, uttering the renowned Latin phrase ‘behold the man.’
The Prado Museum in Madrid now proudly showcases this masterpiece, adding to its collection of Caravaggio’s limited body of work, estimated to be around 60 known pieces. Despite an existing, well-known version of ‘Ecce Homo’ by Caravaggio, this newly authenticated version was initially attributed to José de Ribera, a Spanish painter from the same era.
In a dramatic turn of events, an auction in 2021, where the painting was set to be sold for a mere €1,500, was halted by the Spanish government due to suspicions of its true origin. Three siblings from Spain had inherited the painting, which had been in their family since 1823.
After years of meticulous examination, the Museo del Prado has confirmed ‘Ecce Homo’ to be an authentic Caravaggio, solidifying its status as a masterpiece. According to the Prado’s statement, it is believed to have once been part of Philip IV of Spain’s private collection, further enhancing its historical significance.
This rediscovered treasure will be on display at the Prado until late October as part of a special exhibition, made possible through an agreement with its undisclosed new owner. Following the exhibition, ‘Ecce Homo’ will join the museum’s permanent collection until early next year.
Reports in Spanish media suggest the painting was acquired by its new owner for €36 million, a staggering 24,000 times its original auction starting price. Jorge Coll, director of the London art gallery Colnaghi, which handled the sale, has assured the media that the painting will remain in public collections.
Caravaggio’s profound influence on art cannot be overstated. His pioneering use of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast between light and darkness, transformed the course of painting. He is widely recognized as one of the foundational figures in the Baroque era, an artistic movement that succeeded the Renaissance, characterized by heightened contrasts and an opulent grandeur.
Euronews Culture film critic David Mouriquand recently highlighted Caravaggio’s enduring influence in the Netflix series ‘Ripley.’ Set in Italy, the show prominently features the Baroque painter’s works, and its cinematography draws heavily from his aesthetics.
Much like the enigmatic character Ripley, Caravaggio himself was a complex figure, a brilliant painter who also committed murder. The contrasting light and shadow in his artworks mirror the moral complexities of his life, a duality that continues to resonate in the modern era.
