CECILIA GIMENEZ, Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration, dies at age 94

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 -Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish woman whose unconventional attempt to restore a century-old fresco of Jesus Christ captured global attention more than a decade ago, has died at the age of 94, local officials confirmed. 

The mayor of Borja, the small town in northeastern Spain where she lived, announced her passing and remembered her as a beloved resident and passionate lover of painting. Her death marks the end of a life that brought both laughter and unexpected cultural impact to her community.

Giménez became internationally known in 2012 when, at age 81, she tried to restore the dilapidated Ecce Homo fresco by Elías García Martínez in the Sanctuary of Mercy Church. Her well-intentioned effort produced an altered image that was widely mocked and nicknamed “Monkey Christ,” turning her into a viral sensation. 

What began as a controversial restoration quickly drew global media attention and transformed the quiet town of Borja into a tourist destination, with significantly increased visitor numbers in the years that followed.

Despite initial criticism, Giménez’s story evolved into one of resilience and community pride. The international interest in her work boosted local tourism and raised funds for charitable causes, and she later showcased her own artwork in exhibitions. 

Officials and residents celebrated her for her good intentions and the unexpected cultural legacy she leaves behind. Tributes from her hometown highlight her kindness, strength, and the lasting mark she made on both art history and her community.