Cecilia Gimenez Restoration Of 'Ecce Homo' Bringing In Profits For Charity [VIDEO]

Last year, 82-year-old artist Cecilia Gimenez failed in her attempt to restore the "Ecce Homo" "Behold the Man) fresco of Christ. Cecilia Gimenez faced a lot of criticism for taking it upon herself to restore the painting, which was flaking due to the damp air in the church. The painting was the work of a minor Spanish artist from a century ago in the Misericordia sanctuary.

Cecilia Gimenez infamously made headlines after completely changing the original piece, which has now been dubbed "Ecce Mono" (Behold the Monkey). But now her mistake is proving to be profitable, as the disfigured fresco is bringing in tourism and in turn, also raking in profit. Since its negative makeover, the fresco has attracted 70,000 visitors--who pay a $1.30 fee--and $66,000 revenue for a local charity. The image of "Ecce Mono" has been appearing on T-shirts, cellphone covers, coffee mugs and wine labels.

"It's a timely agreement," Ojeda, the councilor, told The Associated Press by telephone from Borja. "The money is going to good causes."

"After everything that happened, we can say that the balance has been positive. It has brought tourists from all over the world, been a boost to the economy of local restaurants and raised money for charity," said Francisco Arilla, the mayor of Borja. "It has put the town on the map."

And it's not just the town of Borja that is reaping the rewards, Cecilia Gimenez has had her own art exhibit featuring at least two dozen of her other works that will be showcased on Aug. 24. Profits are also being made from merchandise that feature the likeness of the painting with the botched restoration. The local council of Borja and Gimenez will reportedly meet next week to share the profits--with Cecilia Gimenez receiving 49 percent and the council the remaining 51 percent. The profits from the charity will help pay the bills of 60 elderly people in a care home.

"Now it seems like everyone's happy," said Cecilia Gimenez to local paper Heraldo de Aragon in Sunday's edition. "I'm grateful that things have quieted down."