Fernando Botero: The legacy of the Colombian artist’s signature style

The late Colombian artist Fernando Botero is recognized globally for his unique artistic language known as “boterismo.” This style is characterized by voluminous, rounded figures and exaggerated proportions, which Botero used to reimagine classical masterpieces and iconic motifs.

One notable example is his 1978 painting, Mona Lisa, which reinterprets Leonardo da Vinci’s work through his distinctive lens of large heads and small facial features. Botero’s international influence is evidenced by his works being held in major institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and his bronze sculptures being displayed in prominent locations such as Park Avenue in New York and the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Following his death, his work continues to command significant attention in the art market. In November 2023, his painting The Musicians (1979) fetched $5.1 million at Christie’s New York. Currently, the Opera Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition titled “Fernando Botero: In Praise of an Amplified World,” which runs until the end of November.