At the Prado Museum, the incredible adventure of a rediscovered Caravaggio

Mise à jour 3 juin 2024 par Redak

Mistakenly attributed to a little-known artist, a painting was almost put up for auction for 1,500 euros before being authenticated as a real Caravaggio. The work, “Ecce Homo”, will be unveiled on Monday in Madrid and exhibited for several months at the Prado Museum.

A spectacular rediscovery

The painting, described by the museum as having “extraordinary value”, has an extraordinary history. 400 years old, it will be presented to the public until October thanks to the “generosity” of its new owner, whose identity remains secret.

Painted between 1605 and 1609, this work represents Christ, his hands tied and his head crowned with thorns, presented to the crowd by Pontius Pilate before the crucifixion. It is one of sixty works attributed to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, master of chiaroscuro and major figure in Baroque painting.

A tumultuous journey

According to experts, this oil on canvas was part of the private collection of Philip IV of Spain before being exhibited in the apartments of his son Charles II. It was then bequeathed to the Real Academia de San Fernando in Madrid and recovered in 1823 by the diplomat Evaristo Pérez de Castro in exchange for another painting, then passed on to his descendants.

In 2021, the painting came out of oblivion when a Madrid auction house put a price on it for 1,500 euros, believing that it was a work by a disciple of José de Ribera. Alerted by experts, the Prado quickly identified “documented and stylistic evidence” suggesting that it could be a Caravaggio. The Spanish Ministry of Culture then blocked the sale.

Careful authentication

Among the experts who confirmed the authenticity of the painting is Maria Cristina Terzaghi, professor of art history at Roma Tre University. After seeing an image of the painting, she immediately suspected its significance. Upon discovering it in Madrid, she no longer had any doubts, relying on the colors, composition and expressiveness of the faces for her diagnosis.

Before being exhibited at the Prado, the painting was completely restored by Andrea Cipriani. According to Spanish sources, it was bought for 36 million euros by a British citizen residing in Spain and could remain on public display after its visit to the Prado.

A unique exhibition

The Prado is planning a “special individual installation” to showcase the work. Jorge Coll, head of the gallery that handled the sale, said the buyer wants the painting to join “public collections” in the form of loan. This exhibition is a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to rediscover the genius of Caravaggio, an artist rediscovered in the 20th century after having been forgotten for three centuries.

Caravaggio, a rediscovered master

The story of this “Ecce Homo” recalls the journey of Caravaggio himself, whose talent was rediscovered in the 1950s after centuries of oblivion. The artist, known for his mastery of chiaroscuro and his tumultuous life, marked the history of art with powerful and emotionally charged works.

This new exhibition at the Prado is a celebration of his legacy and an illustration of the importance of conservation and rediscovery of works of art. The public will have the opportunity to contemplate this masterpiece and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Caravaggio.

Cyril CH

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