Modern Bronze Sculpture - XXL Woman - Fernando Botero

A Testament to Timeless Beauty and Exaggerated Form: Fernando Botero’s Bronze Sculpture - " XXL Woman "

The "XXL Woman" bronze statue epitomizes Botero’s exploration of femininity, power, and form. Signed by the artist, this piece captures the essence of his philosophy: celebrating the monumental. The reclining woman, seen from a dorsal perspective, exudes tranquility and strength, inviting viewers to marvel at the seamless interplay of curves and volumes. Her robust form is not an exaggeration for its own sake but a deliberate artistic choice to challenge traditional ideals of beauty and to honor fullness, both physical and symbolic.

The bronze medium, polished to a soft golden-brown patina, accentuates the sculptural lines and imbues the figure with a sense of permanence and weight. Her relaxed pose, with an arm resting gently under her head and her body stretching across a base of polished marble, evokes a sense of ease and timelessness. The juxtaposition of the marble base with the bronze figure underscores the harmonious balance between stability and fluidity.

A Maestro of Exaggerated Proportions

Born on April 19, 1932, in the vibrant city of Medellín, Colombia, Fernando Botero rose to become a global icon in modern art. Renowned for his characteristic style known as Boterismo, Botero’s work celebrates the human form in all its exaggerated proportions, blending satire, grace, and an unmatched appreciation for volume. His figures, whether in painting or sculpture, stand as monuments to the vibrancy of life, often depicting ordinary people, animals, and objects in extraordinary ways. Botero’s journey began as a classical artist, but his exposure to European art in Madrid, Florence, and Paris during the mid-20th century shaped his unique aesthetic.

The Botero Museum in Bogotá, Colombia, houses one of the most significant collections of his works, a gift from the artist himself to his homeland. The museum allows viewers to trace Botero’s creative evolution and offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a master. His sculptures, like the "XXL Woman Dorsal," are not just physical objects but profound narratives of the human condition.

The Story Behind the Statue

Created in the late 20th century, this statue was designed in Botero’s Parisian studio, where he produced many of his most iconic sculptures. While it is not part of a limited series, it maintains the same attention to detail and craftsmanship that defines all of Botero’s works. The reclining woman draws inspiration from classical depictions of the nude, reinterpreted through Botero’s lens. Rather than focusing on idealized proportions, Botero invites the viewer to celebrate the opulence of life, free from the constraints of convention.

Symbolism in Volume

Botero’s sculptures are deeply rooted in the cultural and social contexts of his upbringing in Colombia, as well as his later exposure to European art history. In the "XXL Woman Dorsal," the artist subverts conventional norms of beauty and emphasizes abundance as a metaphor for vitality and inner richness. Her robust figure speaks to themes of fertility, self-assurance, and resilience, making this piece not only a visual delight but also a profound commentary on society’s perceptions of the human body.

Fernando Botero’s Enduring Legacy

Botero’s artistic impact extends far beyond the confines of galleries and museums. His monumental sculptures grace public spaces across the world, from New York City and Paris to Bogotá and Singapore, becoming symbols of artistic liberation and cultural pride.

The "XXL Woman Dorsal" serves as a quintessential example of Botero’s work, bridging the gap between the personal and the universal. Whether displayed in a private collection or a public space, this statue commands attention and inspires introspection, reminding viewers of the boundless possibilities of the human form.

A Celebration of Boldness

Through the "XXL Woman Dorsal," Botero challenges us to reconsider our relationship with beauty, abundance, and identity. The sculpture invites viewers into a world of exaggerated elegance, where every curve tells a story, and every volume holds meaning. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to transform, provoke, and inspire.

Width:  43 cm
Height: 12,5 cm
Depth: 19 cm
Weight: 10,3 kg
100% Bronze