5 Unforgettable Works of Colombian Painter Fernando Botero

Fernando Botero’s work

Passing of Fernando Botero at the Age of 91

Social and Political Critique in Art

At the age of 91, the Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero, passed away in the early hours of this 15th of September.

Lina Botero revealed that her father, originally from the city of Medellín, died in Monaco (France) due to pneumonia.

It wasn’t long before social media was flooded with farewell messages for the artist. His paintings and sculptures traveled the world.

Below, we present some of his works, which stood out for their originality.

«Hombre a caballo»

obras Fernando Botero / FOTO: AP

One of the unforgettable works of Fernando Botero is this sculpture named «Hombre a caballo».

The piece is located outside of El Renacimiento Park in Bogotá, Colombia. It has dimensions of 4 X 1.50 X 2 meters.

It’s worth noting that the artist produced several pieces with this man, among them oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors, in addition to other sculptures.

Botero emphasizes the nature of this animal as well as that of the rider. The power of fatherhood is also present.

«La mano» by Fernando Botero

FOTO: AP

Next, we present «La Mano,» a sculpture that can be seen at the Botero Museum in Bogotá, Colombia.

The artist created this piece in 1975, just a year after he had a car accident in Spain.

Fernando Botero, along with his family, crashed into a truck while traveling between the cities of Seville and Madrid.

Sadly, his son Pedro, only four years old, died, while he suffered injuries to his right hand.

«Boterismo»

obras Fernando Botero / FOTO: AP

On the other hand, this giant head shown in the picture is located in Botero Park in Medellín, Colombia.

Fernando Botero’s style is defined as «Boterismo,» which is evident in both his sculptures and paintings.

Many people know him as an artist who paints or sculpts ‘fat people,’ but he described himself as ‘the painter of volume.’

«The drawings display multiple female figures, all of them suggestive, sensual, intense, full of life, and deeply expressive,» he said in an interview.

The Significance of Botero Park

FOTO: AP

In this park, there are a total of 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero in excellent condition.

Some of them are: Woman, Woman with Fruit, Cat, Adam, Eve, Horse, Woman with Mirror, Seated Woman, Dog, Horse with Bridle, Roman Soldier, and Thought.

Also, there are the sculptures Dressed Man, Dressed Woman, Maternity, Sphinx, Abduction of Europe, Reclining Woman, and Dominant Man.

After the sensitive passing of the Colombian painter and sculptor, it’s a good reason to visit this fascinating place in Medellín, Colombia.

Fernando Botero’s work

obras Fernando Botero / FOTO: Shutterstock

One of the most common questions a fan of Fernando Botero’s works, like this image, asks is about its meaning.

At first glance, it seems the artist is drawn to grotesque images, but in essence, it’s a sarcastic critique of modern society.

On some occasions, his characters cover the entirety of the canvas, leaving no space for another element.

While García Márquez did it in his books, Botero portrays magical realism in his paintings.

Did He Paint Mother Teresa of Calcutta?

FOTO: Shutterstock

Fernando Botero was also an artist who frequently made political critiques in his works, both in Colombia and internationally.

He painted Jesus Christ as he did a dictator, not forgetting significant religious figures.

Although it seems to be Mother Teresa of Calcutta, this painting is of a ‘fat nun praying’.

In reality, the work is named «The Gates of Heaven» and is located in the Church of Mercy in Italy (TO SEE MORE WORKS BY BOTERO CLICK HERE).