Recently verified Caravaggio is now on show in Madrid
In 2021, a painting said to have been done by a low-regarded artist went on sale at an auction for €1500, approximately £1280. Hours before it was due to be sold, the Spanish government had to cancel the bidding war as it was revealed the art was an as-yet-undiscovered Caravaggio, and it now hangs in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
The piece is called Ecco Homo, and it depicts Pontius Pilate presenting Christ to the people. It is now one of 60 known works by the Italian painter, but it has gone under the radar for centuries, only recently being shared with the public.
Caravaggio was a crucial figure at the beginning of modern painting. He died in 1610 at the age of 38, but even though he only lived a short life, the Italian was able to master the use of colour in shadow in his work, creating incredible depth with the stroke of a paintbrush. His work has an element of deep psychological realism, making the violent scenes he depicts feel even more so. Other classic works by the painter include Judith Beheading Holofernes, The Calling of St Matthew and David with the Head of Goliath.
The Prado Museum (via the BBC) confirmed earlier this month that the new piece, Ecco Homo, is “Without a doubt, a Caravaggio masterpiece”. They also described it as “one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art.” Three years after the discovery, the piece is now finally accessible to the public.
Though the history of Ecco Homo cannot be solidified, it is believed that it belonged in the private collection of Spain’s King Philip IV. After he passed away, it will have likely been passed down to his son, Charles II. In 2021, it resurfaced as it was described as the product of an artist within the circle of José de Ribera, a 17th century Spanish painter.
The sale of the painting was blocked when questions regarding its actual authorship were raised, before eventually changing hands for £30.6 million. The current owner is believed to be a British national who lives in Spain.
Ecco Homo will be on display in the Prado Museum as part of a one-off exhibition following an agreement with the new owner. After that, it will hang in the Prado’s permanent collection for another four months. The painting will remain on loan to public collections rather than ending up in the owner’s house.
