behold the monkey

anyone seen this recent restoration of a spanish fresco? 

apparently an elderly lady from the church where it is displayed was allowed to do the restoration and very clearly had no idea what she was doing. frescos are not typically my cup of tea, but it's unfortunate to see this kind corruption of art, just in the sense that the original is now lost forever. however, it does raise some interesting points about interpretation.

on a lighter note, it has become quite a sensation since it hit the media and tourists are flocking to the small town to view it. the unfortunate restoration has garnered the fresco the title "ecce mono" (behold the monkey), its original title being "ecce homo". in addition, other artists have used the restoration in interpretations of the last supper and mona lisa.

the full article can be viewed here.