Meaning of Ecce Mono | Babel Free

Definitions

A nickname for the ecce homo (depiction of Jesus with a crown of thorns) in the Sanctuary of Mercy church in Borja, Spain, a fresco painted circa 1930 by the Spanish painter Elías García Martínez and attempted to be restored by Cecilia Giménez, an untrained amateur artist, in 2012.

derogatory, humorous

Examples

“The heartfelt but awful result was described as “a furry alien Neanderthal,” “Ewok Jesus,” and, ultimately, “Ecce Mono” (Behold the Monkey). Martínez’s descendants and the church were distressed, but the story endeared the world to “Ecce Mono.””

““That’s what people call it. The worst restoration job ever. Un fracaso. The old woman says the priest gave her permission. He denies it. They are bringing in experts to see if it can be saved. The piece is an Ecce Homo. Behold the man. But people now call it Ecce Mono. Behold the monkey.” […] “That’s why you took me to the Ecce Mono. You didn’t just happen to stop in my café. Gonzáles sent you. You never cared about me, you were keeping an eye on the mask. That’s why you’re here now. Not for me. For the mask.””

“Split-screens of the mural before and after the ‘restoration’ tickled the funny bone of people worldwide, who dubbed it ‘Ecce Mono’ (behold the monkey) and ‘the Beast Christ’.”

“Jimnénez’s^([sic]) restoration, which, to be fair, looks nothing like Martínez’s original, was immediately mocked around the world with the monikers Monkey Christ or Ecce Mono.”

“Giménez, an elderly amateur artist, botched the intervention so badly that mockers have dubbed the painting Ecce Mono (“Behold the monkey”).”

“So popular was Giménez’s handiwork, that budget airline Ryanair offered special flight deals to nearby Zaragoza, for those wanting to make the pilgrimage to see Ecce Homo. The purists amongst us will question why so many are visiting. We know the answer—to have a laugh and take a ‘selfie’ with Ecce Mono (Behold the Monkey) as Martinez’s^([sic]) painting is often now referred to as.”

CEFR level