The largest exhibition ever held in Italy on Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who passed away on September 15, 2023, is taking place at the Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome. This monumental exhibition celebrates Botero’s iconic and instantly recognizable style, famous for his voluminous, exaggerated figures and his satirical yet affectionate portrayal of human life and daily scenes.
Fernando Botero’s art exhibition showcases a stunning collection of paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and previously unseen works. Visitors can explore medium and large pieces that embody Botero’s distinctive artistic style. The exhibition also features reinterpretations of famous masterpieces from art history, including Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Raphael’s La Fornarina, and Piero della Francesca’s Double Portrait of the Dukes of Urbino. Key themes such as the circus and bullfighting, influenced by the Hispanic tradition seen in the works of Goya and Picasso, are prominently displayed.
What really struck me was that in addition to the better known images, Botero portrayed the torture and abuse that took place in the Iraqi prison Abu Ghraib by the American military. When the news first came out, I was too young and probably had not been exposed to those images.
A special section is dedicated to Botero’s latest technical innovations, where, since 2019, he uses watercolors on canvas to create nearly translucent pieces, offering a delicate and introspective approach to his iconic subjects. This must-see Botero exhibition is a celebration of his creative legacy, appealing to art lovers and enthusiasts alike.
Continuing until the 19th of January 2025, all information can be found on Palazzo Bonaparte website. I went on a Saturday and even by pre-purchasing the tickets I had to wait in line to get in so please, book in advance.
