The first major painting exhibition after Botero’s death
Botero’s stunning artworks have just landed at Palazzo Bonaparte and will impress its visitors until 19 January 2025. The exhibition, curated by Lina Botero, the artist’s daughter, and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, is a tribute to the Colombian artist who passed away just a year ago while he was in the very act of painting.
The exhibition, curated by Lina Botero, the artist’s daughter, and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, is one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the fall in Rome and is a tribute to the Colombian artist who passed away just a year ago while he was in the very act of painting.
Featuring over 120 works, the exposition examines the prolific and remarkable production that defined Botero’s career. It highlights not only his iconic and imposing figures, but also, his mastery of various techniques, including oil painting, sculpture, pastels, pencil drawing, charcoal, and red chalk, showcasing the depth and versatility of his artistry.
A broad collection full of colours, forms and never-seen-before works
The works are masterfully arranged and divided into eleven different sections based on the themes of the artworks. Botero is renowned for his beautiful and sensual female characters, as well as his ironic perspective on human nature in the most ordinary moments of life. From a naked woman admiring herself in the bathroom mirror to a man napping at a table after a picnic, Botero captures human nature with empathy and irony, never tiring the viewer. His subjects range from religious to political themes, from the circus to the corrida, with tauromachy being one of Botero’s most central representations.
The exhibition roots into Fernando Botero’s evolution as a painter, tracing the milestones and artistic transformations throughout his life. His journey began at an exceptionally young age, when he first picked up a paintbrush after making the bold decision to leave matador school. Originally on a path to becoming a bullfighter, Botero’s passion for art overtook his early ambitions, and he committed himself fully to the pursuit of painting. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a lifelong exploration of form, volume, and expression, leading to his signature style of depicting exaggerated, voluminous figures.
INSPIRATION
Eight monumental sculptures for the exhibition dedicated to Fernando Botero
Botero’s artistic evolution: shaping a voluminous view of the world
Through the exhibition, visitors can witness how Botero’s early influences, cultural heritage, and personal experiences shaped his unique artistic voice, culminating in a body of work that transcends different eras and geography. Each phase of his career reflects a deepening mastery of technique, a nuanced understanding of human nature, and a distinct approach to reimagining the world around him.
Don’t miss out:
- Homage to Mantegna: This piece, a rare and previously unseen artwork from an American private collection, was recently rediscovered after decades by Lina Botero through Christie’s.
- Las Meninas: During his apprenticeship at the Prado, Botero created his own version of Velázquez’s iconic painting. However, his Menina goes beyond a mere reproduction; it stands as an original work, distinctly Botero.
- The Corrida’s Mirror Room: On the second floor, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of toreros, enhanced by music and lights, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
Until 19 January 2025
PALAZZO BONAPARTE
Piazza Venezia, 5
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 7:30pm
Weekend: 9am – 9pm
Tickets:
Full 16.00€ + online fee
