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In the serene landscapes of Pietrasanta in Italy, Fernando Botero, the illustrious Colombian maestro celebrated for his distinctive stylistic contributions to the art world, found his final resting place this Saturday, October 7, 2023. Emblematic of Latin American artistic prowess, Botero, who passed away at 91 on September 15 due to pneumonia, was famed for his distinctive portrayal of exaggeratedly plump human and animal figures across varied artistic mediums.
Following Fernando Botero’s demise, his native Colombia commemorated him profoundly: both Bogota and Medellin paid their respects, with the latter designating an entire week to mourn his passing. After his cremation, his ashes were transported to Pietrasanta, located a mere 32 kilometers from Pisa. This quaint town had been Botero’s sanctuary for artistic endeavors for decades. In a symbolic reunion, he was interred alongside his late wife, the accomplished Greek artist Sophia Vari, who predeceased him in May.
Often hailed as the “Picasso of Latin America,” Botero’s prodigious output boasts over 3,000 paintings and 300 sculptures. His oeuvre, punctuated with corpulent and somewhat surreal entities, has been celebrated globally, fetching staggering amounts, with some pieces commanding prices up to USD4.3 million in eminent galleries from New York to London.
In a conversation with AFP, his daughter, Lina, reminisced about Botero’s enduring connection with Pietrasanta, where he collaborated with foundries and marble workshops for over four decades. His partnership with the town’s artisans facilitated the creation of his iconic sculptures. He deeply admired the artisans, and they reciprocally esteemed him. “He crafted his sculptures here thanks to the work of the foundries, the marble workshops… as well as the artisans who admired his talent and whom he respected,” she said.
Despite battling the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease, which hindered both his mobility and communication, Botero’s indomitable spirit ensured that he painted until his last breath.
With AFP.