Spanish Fresco meets Mr Bean

You couldn't invent a story like this, but in an almost Mr. Bean-like happening a fresco of Jesus which was painted on the wall of the Sanctuary of Mercy church near Zaragoza has been 'restored' by a member of the church. The painting, ecce homo, by Elias Garcia Martinez has suffered badly due to moisture and the parishioner, fearing it might deteriorate further decided to take up her paintbrushes and save the work.

I have placed the two works by Whistler and Martinez and 'restored' version by Bean and the unnamed parishioner side by side to see whose work wins for the best overall restoration. You can decide for yourself:

Hopefully restorers will be able to remove the 'restoration' and have another go at restoring it in keeping with the original fine brush strokes - if they are unsuccessful they will  cover the wall with a replica of the original.

Volunteers - can't live without them and, sometimes, just live with them :-)