81 year old Spanish woman disfigures 19th century painting, gains fan club
Cecilia Gimenez's 81 claims she attempted to restore a fresco painting at the Roman Catholic Santuario de la Misericordia in Borja, Spainbecause she was upset with the deterioration of her favorite local representation of Jesus. Her alterations were discovered by the artist's granddaughter, Teresa Garcia.
The work, by Elias Garcia Martinez was not a part of any altarpiece, but locals who attached sentimental value to the work were outraged at the painting's new “monkey-like” appearance. Authorities in Borja initially suspected vandalism, and though they do not believe Gimenez's actions to be malicious, they are considering legal action.
Teresa Garcia requested that the painting be destroyed if it could not be restored. Others are defending Gimenez's 'restoration.' Change.orghas collected more than 11,000 signatures since yesterday on a petition to keep the work as Gimenez left it, calling her actions “endearing and loving.”
Cecilia Gimenez's 81 claims she attempted to restore a fresco painting at the Roman Catholic Santuario de la Misericordia in Borja, Spainbecause she was upset with the deterioration of her favorite local representation of Jesus. Her alterations were discovered by the artist's granddaughter, Teresa Garcia.
The work, by Elias Garcia Martinez was not a part of any altarpiece, but locals who attached sentimental value to the work were outraged at the painting's new “monkey-like” appearance. Authorities in Borja initially suspected vandalism, and though they do not believe Gimenez's actions to be malicious, they are considering legal action.
Teresa Garcia requested that the painting be destroyed if it could not be restored. Others are defending Gimenez's 'restoration.' Change.orghas collected more than 11,000 signatures since yesterday on a petition to keep the work as Gimenez left it, calling her actions “endearing and loving.”