Fernando Botero is considered Colombia’s most important artist, as he managed to overcome borders with his works and make the country’s cultural and artistic wealth known abroad.
After his death, he leaves behind a legacy and records that are hard to surpass, such as more than 300,000 visitors to his works at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico and 155,000 at the Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao (Spain). .
His works are sought after and many have acquired particular value for collectors.
Just as a tribute to his work, we share with you some of the most expensive pieces.
The Dancers, a work from 2000.
Christie’s
The sculpture “Dancers” was sold in New York on November 15, 2011 for $1.7 million. This piece was created by Botero in 1997.
Botero horse, piece from 1999
Christie’s
The bronze sculpture “Horse” sold for $938,500 at a Christie’s auction of Latin American art in New York.
The work was created in 1999. At that time, Botero asserted that it was an epic horse from the Renaissance that radiated beauty and great strength.
Man on Horseback, Botero’s piece.
Christie’s
On March 11, 2022, Christie’s auctioned the work “Man on Horseback”. The buyer paid a total of $4.3 million.
This sum exceeded expectations as the initial estimated value was between 2 and 3 million dollars, but the final price exceeded 4 million dollars after a ten-minute auction.
Adam and Eve by Botero
Christie’s
This work was auctioned in a more modern version by Bonhams. The original is from 1999, but this newer model is from 2003. The value was around $2.6 million.
“The Musicians” and “The Four Musicians”
“The Musicians” and “Four Musicians”
In 2006, both Botero’s 1979 The Musicians and 1984 The Four Musicians were sold at a Christie’s auction for a total of $2.1 million.
As is well known, the painting “The Musicians” has not been available to collectors for more than 20 years, which is why its final selling price increased.
“Smoking Woman” by Botero.
Christie’s
The 3.5 meter long and 1.5 meter wide bronze work was purchased in New York as part of a major auction of Latin American art organized by Christie’s.
Christie’s originally estimated it would sell the film for $800,000 to $1.2 million, and an assistant ended up purchasing “Woman Smoking” for $1,142,500.
“A Family” by Botero.
In 2011, Sotheby’s sold the piece “Una familia” for $1.4 million during a Latin American art auction.
At that time, thanks to the work, the record for the highest gross sales at a Latin American auction was achieved.
“Woman with Guitar” by Botero.
The work “Woman with a Guitar” was auctioned in Paris. The painting had an estimated selling price of between $550,000 and $750,000 and was ultimately sold for $1 million.
