In a remarkable turn of events, a painting initially thought to be created by an unknown artist, but later suspected to be a masterpiece by Italian master Caravaggio, has been unveiled at the Prado museum in Madrid. Entitled "Ecce Homo," the dark and somber canvas portrays Jesus Christ, bloodied and wearing a crown of thorns, right before his crucifixion. This artwork is one of the approximately 60 known works by the renowned Renaissance artist.

The painting, previously scheduled to be auctioned in April 2021, faced an opening price of €1,500 at a Madrid auction house. However, just before the auction could take place, the Spanish Ministry of Culture intervened, blocking the sale due to suspicions that the painting was actually a Caravaggio, worth millions. The Prado museum had raised concern and provided "sufficient documentary and stylistic evidence" supporting their case that the work indeed originated from the hand of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.

Earlier this month, the museum announced that top art experts had confirmed the painting's authenticity, declaring it "without a doubt, a Caravaggio masterpiece." They referred to this discovery as "one of the greatest finds in art history." Following the restoration process, the artwork will be showcased to the public for the first time during a press conference at the Prado museum, featuring the experts who were instrumental in its identification and restoration.

Reports from Spanish media suggest that the painting has been acquired by a British individual residing in Spain, who reportedly paid a staggering €36 million for it. Astonishingly, the new owner intends for the artwork to be displayed in public collections, potentially remaining on loan after its exhibition at the Prado for several months. Jorge Coll, the head of the London art gallery Colnaghi, which facilitated the sale, confirmed that the buyer's intention was to prevent the painting from being confined to a private residence.

The painting, believed to have been created between 1605 and 1609, holds historical significance. It is speculated to have been part of the private collection of Spain's King Philip IV at some point before being exhibited in the apartments of his son, Charles II. Upon its rediscovery, the authenticity of the artwork was swiftly recognized by Professor Maria Cristina Terzaghi, an art history expert from Italian university Roma Tre. Upon seeing a picture of the painting sent by art dealer friends through WhatsApp, she immediately realized its potential importance. After visiting Madrid and examining the canvas firsthand, Terzaghi was convinced that it was indeed a work by Caravaggio.

Caravaggio, known for his tumultuous life, revolutionized the art world with his Baroque painting technique called chiaroscuro, characterized by the striking contrast between light and shadow. Authenticating artwork often involves forensic examination of the materials, analysis of the technology and styles of the era, and studying the techniques used by the artist and their students.

As the Prado museum prepares to unveil this remarkable Caravaggio discovery to the public, art enthusiasts and historians eagerly await the opportunity to witness the brilliance of the master artist and delve further into the extraordinary legacy he left behind.