The Ecce Homo, which measures 111cm by 86cm (44in by 34in), had been attributed to the circle of the 17th-century Spanish artist José de Ribera when it was offered for sale at a Madrid auction house in April 2021.
But something about the painting and its luminous qualities led experts in Spain and Italy to re-examine it.
As collectors around the world got wind of the painting's possible creator, experts at the Prado contacted Spain's culture ministry, which moved quickly to impose an export ban. The Madrid regional government also speedily awarded the painting protected heritage status to keep it in the country.
Yesterday the Prado said the painting - bought from the family that had owned it for generations by an anonymous purchaser for an undisclosed sum - would go on show at the museum from 28 May until October.
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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