The Prado Museum, where taking photos is strictly prohibited, currently displays the recently restored and recovered “Ecce Homo” by Michelangelo Caravaggio (1571-1610), created between 1605 and 1609.

Thanks to the fact that its current owner lent it for 9 months, we have the possibility of admiring this painting that, for this short period, comes to light.

The restoration is of extreme quality, far from the ultra-varnished Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer or Girl with an Ermine by Leonardo Da Vinci. In this case, the incarnations of Christ stand out: his suggestively greenish face and the torso as the center of the piece and source of light. The head with the crown of thorns and the drops of blood on the face show the impeccable workmanship of the artist.

The figure on the left corresponds to Pilate, who shows his hands as if to say “I do not accuse this man, I leave the decision to the crowd.” The figure on the right, with his mouth open, who seems to incite the people, actually exclaims Ecce homo (“this is the man”).

Ecce homo, by Michelangelo Caravaggio (1605-1609)

Prado Museum