Elderly lady tries restoring fresco... sort of.

[Ed, Ego and Superego]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19349921

[AndyC]

The once-dignified portrait now resembles a crayon sketch of a very hairy monkey in an ill-fitting tunic, he says.

While I recognize the sadder aspects of this story, it really cracked me up.

[indianasmith]

I thought the same thing!! It's tragic and hilarious at the same time!!!

[dean]

Well the new version is clearly better: The old one was all faded and lost paint: the new one is so much better.

[Trevor]

The once-dignified portrait now resembles a crayon sketch of a very hairy monkey in an ill-fitting tunic, he says.

While I recognize the sadder aspects of this story, it really cracked me up.

I've always wanted to restore the first South African western film The Hellions (1961): I'm reasonably sure that this is what it would look like if I tried to restore it. 

[Mofo Rising]

Oh, good intentions. Why must you be so tragically hilarious?

I must admit, the part of this that really makes me laugh is that she just meant well. I actually think this will probably have a fairly good ending if they can get some good restorationists to fix the damage.

In the meantime, only one word flits through my mind: Ewok.

[dean]

I think the thing that makes me laugh about this is the fact she took it upon herself to fix it without telling anyone. Classic old lady meddling.

[tracy]

Okay,lady....step away from the paintbrush! That is too sad.

[Ed, Ego and Superego]

My granny always said the road to hell is paved with good intentions. 
I also see the sad aspects, but this wentto SUCH a ludicrous extreme, I had to bring it up.

[Chainsawmidget]

The best part is the donation at the end. 

[JoeTheDestroyer]

I've never seen Jesus so hairy.

...and Asian.

...and plump.

[Raffine]

Reminds me of Mr. Bean's emergency restoration of Whistler's Mother:

[AndyC]

And in an ironic twist, the new painting is a hit. People are flocking to the church to see it.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/48793885#48793885

Now the question is, should they restore the original if they can, or are they better off taking advantage of what they now have? The original was an obscure piece of only sentimental value. The botched restoration is packing in tourists right now, and could be turned into a modest claim to fame in the longer term if it's handled right. It's actually a nice symbol - an old lady's good intentions go horribly wrong, but it turns out to be a blessing in disguise, maybe even a tiny miracle depending on your point of view. She took action, clearly bit off more than she could chew, but even her failure held its own rewards.

Of course, the original artist's family will still be pi$$ed at her, but his painting is also much better known now because of this. And really, with the amount of restoration needed there wouldn't have been much of the original left anyway, they could just have a duplicate painted from photos. Put it beside the monkey, and the two would really tell an interesting story.

[indianasmith]

It's an interesting thought! LOL

[Pilgermann]

Oh I hope they leave it alone!  I'd love to be able to see it in person (really I'd just love to go to Spain).