Fernando Botero ANGULO (1932-2023), Breakfast of the Cat

Lithograph, heavy vellum paper, 44 x 48 cm in light passe - partout, numbered in pencil 90/300, signed from the plate under the composition "Botero" l.d., dry publisher's stamp p.d. : "ARTIS"; on the back hologram "verification of authenticity". Original certificate.
Fernando Botero, born in 1932 in Medellín, Colombia, is one of the most recognizable contemporary artists.
Botero's style, often referred to as "Boterismo," is instantly recognizable for its disproportionate approach to human anatomy and form. His figures are typically exaggerated, with large, rounded bodies and faces. This stylization is not only aesthetic, but also symbolic, often commenting on society, politics and human nature. Botero eschews realism in favor of a more abstract yet expressive depiction of the world.
"Breakfast of the Cat" is one of many still lifes created by Botero. It depicts a composition typical of the genre, where various everyday objects and food are placed on a table. The centerpiece of this painting is a bowl of green soup, surrounded by other objects such as fruits, vegetables, bottles and dishes. In Botero's signature style, all of these items are depicted in rounded, almost inflated forms, giving them a somewhat humorous yet elegant look.
Still life as a genre is by definition static. The addition of the cat, a living and potentially mobile animal, creates a contrast between the static nature of the objects and the dynamism of the living creature. This can introduce an element of surprise and humor, which is characteristic of Botero's style. The cat in Botero's style, like other elements of his works, is depicted in an exaggerated rounded manner. This gives it the artist's distinctive, recognizable style and makes the animal part of a harmonious composition.
Botero uses bright colors and precise painting technique in his works, making his paintings both eye-catching and rich in detail. In "Still Life with Green Soup," one can see the masterful use of light and shadow, which gives the subjects three-dimensionality and depth. The composition is carefully planned, and each element seems to fit perfectly into the whole.
"Breakfast of the Cat" is a perfect example of Botero's style and his approach to art. The artist often emphasizes that his works are not just humorous, but also aim to express beauty in a different, more sensual way. By transforming ordinary objects into something extraordinary, Botero forces the viewer to look at reality from a new perspective.
The work also exemplifies Botero's ability to combine the tradition of painting with a modern approach, creating works that are both an homage to the classics and an innovative expression of his own artistic vision.
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