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British man pays 36 million for Caravaggio masterpiece in Spain
The UK buyer has loaned the painting to the Prado Museum in Madrid for nine months
An exquisite artwork attributed to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known as the Ecce Homo, has resurfaced after several years much to the relief of art enthusiasts. The masterpiece has been recently acquired by a British collector who is resident in Spain, and the esteemed painting is now destined for a nine-month residency at Madrid's prestigious Prado Museum.
The oil painting represents the historical motif of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate presenting Christ to the people with the words Ecce Homo, one of the most dramatic moments of the Passion, recorded in the Gospel of John (19:5).
Originally owned by the Pérez de Castro family, the historic artwork passed through generations until being snapped up by the British patron for the bargain price of 36 million euros – well below the artist's typical market value.
Since the painting has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest by Madrid, it can never leave Spain, but many were surprised that neither the Ministry of Culture nor the capital's government exercised their right of first refusal.
However, the new owner of the 'Ecce Homo' has graciously agreed to loan it to the Prado, where it will be exhibited in a special installation from May 28 until October 2024. After this, it will be hung in one of the main museum rooms until the nine month deadline approaches, at which point the Briton will presumably return it to his private collection.
"The Prado played an important role in the recovery of this work by alerting the Ministry of Culture of its importance, which prevented its departure from Spain. Thanks to the generosity of its current owner, the Prado now makes available to the public and the scientific community an exceptional work by one of the greatest painters in history," says Miguel Falomir, director of the Prado.
Image: Museo del Prado
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