Who Is Fernando Botero? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, Colombia, Fernando Botero became renowned for his distinctive artistic style characterized by exaggerated proportions and vibrant colors. He worked across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and drawing. Botero's works often reflect themes of politics, culture, and social issues, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary art. After living a fulfilling life dedicated to his craft, Botero passed away in 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy that is still celebrated in galleries worldwide.
| Occupation | Sculptors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1932 |
| Age | 91 Years |
| Birth Place | Medellín, Colombia |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Colombia |
| Date of death | 15 September, 2023 |
| Died Place | Monte Carlo, Monaco |
Popularity
Fernando Botero's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Fernando Botero is no longer alive to provide his most current measurements, during his lifetime, he was known for his larger-than-life personality, much like his artwork. His unique perspective on body and proportion is evident in his famous rotund figures that challenge conventional notions of beauty and form.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Fernando Botero was married multiple times. He had five children: two daughters and three sons. Botero was known for his commitment to family values, often integrating familial themes into his art. His relationships and marital status provided insight into his personal life, showcasing his deep connections and experiences that influenced his artistic creations.
His father, David Botero, a salesman who traveled by horseback, died when Fernando was four. His mother, Flora Angulo, worked as a seamstress to support the family. An uncle took a major role in his life.
Although isolated from art as presented in museums and other cultural institutes, Botero was influenced by the Baroque style of the colonial churches and the city life of Medellín while growing up.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Fernando Botero's net worth was estimated to be in the range of $500 million. His works commanded high prices at auctions, with some pieces selling for millions of dollars. His financial success also stemmed from his investments in real estate and his participation in major exhibitions globally, which further solidified his status as one of the wealthiest artists.
In 1952, using his gallery earnings, Botero sailed to Europe. He arrived in Barcelona and then moved on to Madrid. In Madrid, Botero studied at the Academia de San Fernando and was a frequent visitor to the Prado Museum, where he copied works by Goya and Velázquez. He sold his copies on the streets to make money.
Career, Business and Investments
Botero's career spanned over seven decades, during which he developed a distinct style that garnered international acclaim. Known for his "Boterismo," a term describing his technique of creating exaggerated figures, his work was both commercially and critically successful. Apart from art, he invested in real estate and supported various cultural initiatives in Colombia. His philanthropic efforts have left a lasting impact, particularly in promoting the arts in Latin America.
Botero's work was first exhibited in 1948, in a group show along with other artists from the region. From 1949 to 1950, Botero worked as a set designer, before moving to Bogotá in 1951. Young Botero also worked as a newspaper illustrator to support his artistic interests and before attending San Fernando Academy.
The Pérez Art Museum Miami acquired a still life picture of Botero's early days of career depicting apples, an influence of European art historical movements and 20th-century painters. His first one-man show was held at the Galería Leo Matiz in Bogotá, a few months after his arrival.
Social Network
Although Botero is no longer present, his influence continues to resonate in various social networks and online platforms. His works are frequently featured in discussions about contemporary art, and numerous fan pages celebrate his life and contributions to the art world on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Gallery exhibitions dedicated to his works attract extensive media coverage and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Education
Botero studied at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, and received additional training in Europe, which profoundly influenced his artistic style. His education combined academic instruction and self-discovery, allowing him to develop a unique voice in the world of art.
Botero received his primary education at the Ateneo Antioqueño and, thanks to a scholarship, he continued his secondary education at the Jesuit School of Bolívar. In 1944, Botero's uncle sent him to a school for matadors for two years. Some of his earlier drawings were inspired by the bullfight scene.
He sold his first painting for two pesos, thanks to a merchant who allowed him to display it in the window of his shop. He spoke with the Los Angeles Times, during an interview in November 2000, and explained that he lost the money he got for the painting and thus, his brothers never believed him.
His love of drawing nudes caused problems with his Roman Catholic education. He was expelled from school after defending Pablo Picasso’s art in an essay. In 1948, Botero at the age of 16 had his first illustrations published in the Sunday supplement of El Colombiano, one of the most important newspapers in Medellín.
He used the money he was paid to attend high school at the Liceo de Marinilla de Antioquia.
Conclusion
Fernando Botero’s life and work remain a testament to the power of art as a means of expression and cultural commentary. His larger-than-life figures not only challenged traditional aesthetics but also fostered meaningful conversations about society and identity. As we remember him in 2025, his legacy continues to live on, inspiring future generations to explore the intersection of art and life.
