Woman Who Defaced Spanish Christ Painting Now Wants... Compensation For Value Added

As Douglas Adams says: People are a problem.

So, we have this elderly, confused old lady. At least we thought she was trying to do something nice... she's just stupid. But nice.

Incompetent, stupid, and barking-dog crazy, but well-meaning.

But no. She's not that nice. She sees the glitter of gold and she wants some of it.

But popularity for the modified masterpiece grew with even budget airline Ryanair offering cheap deals to nearby Zaragoza airport encouraging "pilgrims" to visit the work that was quickly dubbed "Ecce Mono" – Behold the Monkey.

An internet petition to keep the repair job garnered widespread support and seizing an opportunity to swell its coffers, the church began levying a 4 euro (£3) entrance fee on visitors, earning 2,000 euros in the first four days.

Lawyers acting for Mrs Gimenez now insist she should be entitled to a cut of the profits, which she wants to go towards a charity of her choice.

"She just wants the church to conform to the law," lawyer Enrique Trebolle said. "If this means economic compensation she wants it to be for charitable purposes".

I try to be a realist about people. Meaning, I accept they are deeply, deeply flawed. That way, you can be a bit optimistic when they do nice things.

To elevate the human specimen is to court disappointment and bitterness. That's the way you become a misanthropic crank, by thinking people ought to be angels, and then being so savagely disappointed you instead brand them devils.

That said, sometimes I really hate people. This doddering old buffoon I at least thought meant well; turns out she's as corrupt as Croesus.

Via @rdbrewer4 from the sidebar.

posted by Ace at 05:35 PM

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