Successful Conclusion of Exhibition “Unseen Gaze: The Hidden Portrait under Titian’s Ecce Homo” in Limassol is followed by Presentation in Nicosia


Monday, March 10 was the final day of the exhibition “Unseen Gaze: The Hidden Portrait under Titian’s Ecce Homo” which received unprecedented interest by the public of the city of Limassol. The exhibition presented the work of the Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) in the study of the painting Ecce Homo, a masterpiece from the late years of the Renaissance master Titian, and the material mapping and re-creation of an unknown portrait of a man under the Ecce Homo composition.  Besides presenting, for the first time in Cyprus, the Ecce Homo painting, the exhibition provided an exciting introduction to art characterization and the ways analytical work has enhanced our understanding of the material aspects of art and the ways science and technology have revolutionized the history of art. 

The exhibition was co-organized by The Cyprus Institute / STARC / APAC Labs, the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe - Lemesos 2030 and the Limassol Municipality. It is held at the Limassol Municipal Arts Center - Apothikes Papadaki, from January 24 to March 10, 2025.  The exhibition was also supported by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities. It was museologically curated by Elston Alphas.. 

The exhibition was visited by hundreds of visitors, easily the highest number of visitors for an exhibition at the Limassol Arts Municipal Center Apothikes Papadaki, who expressed enthusiasm for the show. The exhibition’s extended hours of operation, thanks to the support of the director and staff of the Apothikes Papadaki, and scheduled tours offered by APAC Labs researchers provided valuable insights into the research work behind the analysis of the Ecce Homo and the re-creation of the hidden portrait. Visitors’ responses were enthusiastic and highlighted their excitement for being able to have a Titian original in Limassol as well as their amazement with the scientific and technological research which allowed the detailed mapping, visualization and material discovery of the hidden portrait. The artistic re-creation of the portrait by Erato Hadjisavva inspired interest in the dialogue between science and art in the re-discovery of artistic practices from the past and the creative response of contemporary artists. 

The “Unseen Gaze” exhibition was also the focus of dedicated seminars co-organized by the Department of Visual/ Fine and Applied Arts of the Cyprus Technical University (CTU) and the Cyprus Institute. The seminars were coordinated by Asst. Professor Georgios Markou (CTU) and Prof. Nikolas Bakirtzis (CyI) with the expert contribution of Assoc. Professor Efi Kyprianidou (CTU). Undergraduate students from CTU Students and graduate students from both institutions participated in intensive workshop discussions and presentations focusing on aspects of Titian’s art, the organization and production of Renaissance artistic workshops and the role of heritage science in the study of art. Student participants also discussed the ways contemporary artists respond to the work of past artists. Besides university groups, the exhibition also provided an ideal educational context for the visits of school groups. 

The exhibition was also visited by distinguished visitors such as the Ambassadors of France, H.E. Ms Clélia Chevrier Kolačko, Italy, H.E. Ms Federica Ferrari Bravo, and Israel, H.E. Mr. Oren Anolik, who were guided to the exhibition by APAC Labs’ Associate Professor Sorin Hermon, Professor Nikolas Bakirtzis and STARC Director Professor Michel Menu. Their Excellencies expressed their enthusiasm for the exhibition and the work of APAC Labs and the Cyprus Institute showing the international dimension of the research work pursued. It’s also important to mention the visit of important organizations, associations and expert groups such as the Cyprus Diplomats and Spouses Association and the United Nations Development Programme in Cyprus. The effective integration of science and technology with humanities and art history research were prominently highlighted during the tours of the exhibition providing a unique opportunity to visitors to better understand the complex interdisciplinary methodology developed at APAC Labs.

The exhibition was  prominently featured in the SCYENCE FAIR (4-5 April) at the Cyprus Institute, including Titian’s Ecce Homo painting, and will continue through the end of May providing the public of Nicosia with the opportunity to enjoy the presentation of the research achievements of APAC Labs/ STARC/ The Cyprus Institute. 

  •  Location: Location: Richard Cooper Seminar Room – Fresnel Building, The Cyprus Institute
  • Exhibition Dates: April 4 – May 31, 2025  
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 09:00 – 13:00 (Open for schools, groups & visits upon request) & 15:00 – 18:00 (Open to the public)    Saturday: 10:00 – 13:00 (Open to the public)
  •  Info: For more information or to book a visit: office.events@cyi.ac.cy | 22208752 & 22208700


Image 1

Image 2