 EXPERTS have been analysing the fresco of the Ecce Homo at the church in Borja (Zaragoza) which an elderly lady 'ruined' by voluntarily restoring to see whether it is possible to retain both versions.
Given the public support for 81-year-old Cecilia Giménez and overwhelming demand for her 'work' to be left untouched, the town council is seriously considering keeping what has turned into an international tourist attraction - but will have to find a way to retain both the 'new' Ecce Homo and restore the original in order to satisfy the family members of the artist.
The Valencian Institute of Restoration, based in Castellón, is examining the issue and believes that in principle, it may be possible to separate the old painting from the new, paste Cecilia's work onto the wall beside it and restore the highly-deteriorated original painting.
"We will attempt to remove the picture painted by Cecilia Giménez, but not eliminate it," says professional restorer Encarnación Ripollés.
"This would be the ideal scenario, although it depends upon how badly deteriorated the wall behind it is."
The decision will be made at a full meeting of the Sancti Spiritus Foundation this weekend.
"Although the new fresco has no artistic value, given the media and public attention it has attracted all over the world, it would be better to try to keep it," Ripollés continues.
Once work starts on the painting, the final restoration process could be finished within approximately one month.
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