A little over a year after his death, the Palau Martorell is hosting the most comprehensive exhibition of paintings ever held in Spain, paying tribute to Fernando Botero (Medellín, Colombia, 1932 - Monaco, 2023), one of the most important artists of the 20th century who is already part of the History of Art. His original and innovative creative approach, through a language of monumental volumes and vibrant colour, gave rise to a style of his own, Boteroism, which has made his work immediately recognisable.

​

The exhibition, curated by Lina Botero and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, explores Fernando Botero's extraordinary versatility in the use of different pictorial techniques and the richness that this meant for his work. The exhibition brings together a collection of more than 110 works, most of them unpublished, from private collections, including sculptures, oils, watercolours, sanguine, charcoal and pencil drawings.

​

‘Fernando Botero. A Universal Master’ also examines the Colombian artist's important relationship with Spain and Italy, as well as the crucial influence that both countries had on his work. For this reason, two exceptional works will be on view for the first time in our country: a version of Velázquez's ‘Las Meninas’, which has always hung in his Parisian studio, and ‘Homage to Mantegna’, an extraordinary loan from a private collection in the United States, recently discovered by Lina Botero through Christie's. 

In addition to these pieces are his iconic series with the classic themes he loved most, such as those dedicated to Latin America, the circus, religion, mythology, still life and his versions of masterpieces from the history of art.

​

‘Fernando Botero. A Universal Master’ is produced and organised by the Palau Martorell and Arthemisia in collaboration with the Fernando Botero Foundation.