Santo ecce-homo

Santo Ecce-Homo is a painted wooden sculpture standing 1.42 meters tall, carved with careful attention to detail and proportion. The artwork displays craftsmanship throughout its form, from the facial features to the texture of the surface.

The sculpture was created by Pedro de Mena between 1674 and 1685, a Spanish baroque sculptor known for naturalistic representation. This period saw Spanish religious art moving toward more realistic and emotionally engaging forms.

The sculpture shows the biblical moment when Jesus was presented to the crowd, and its glass eyes and realistic hair draw viewers into a direct encounter with the figure. These details create a human presence that feels immediate and personal.

The sculpture is housed within the Sanctuary of Santo Ecce-Homo in Bembibre, which visitors can access during regular hours. Plan your visit ahead as religious sites may have specific visiting guidelines or restricted entry times.

The sanctuary housing the sculpture was destroyed by French forces on January 2, 1809, and reconstruction began several years later. This dramatic chapter in the building's past shaped the structure that protects it today.