Beschreibung:

FERNANDO BOTERO (1932-2023)Dog on a cushion
1976
incised with the artist's signature and numbered 5/6
bronze
34 by 37 by 40 cm.
13 3/8 by 14 9/16 by 15 3/4 in.
This work was executed in 1976, and is number 5 from an edition of 6.
FootnotesProvenance
Didier Imbert Fine Art, Paris
Private Collection, Saint Tropez (acquired from the above in 1993)
Thence by descent to the present owner
Exhibited
Monte Carlo, Marisa del Re Gallery, Fernando Botero, 1992, another example exhibited
Paris, Avenue Des Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais and Galerie Didier Imbert Fine Art, Botero Aux Champs-Élysées - Sculptures et Œuvres sur Papiers, 1992-1993, p. 156, another example exhibited and illustrated in colour
Literature
Jean-Clarence Lambert, Benjamín Villegas (Ed.), Botero Sculptures, Colombia 1998, p. 61, another example illustrated in colour, n.p., another example illustrated in colour
Renowned for his distinctive style characterised by voluptuous and exaggerated forms, the Colombian artist Fernando Botero has left an indelible mark on the history of art. His works evoke a sense of affection and endearment, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries and animals often play a quintessential role in them. Having studied under Roberto Longhi, a distinguished authority on Italian Renaissance and Baroque art, Botero obtained a remarkable art historical knowledge of Western Classicism that transfuses his oeuvre and made him one of the world's most revered and sought-after artists of the present day. The canon of art history, especially the European one became a rich source of inspiration, and no subject is quite as interwoven into the history of art as the humble dog, man's best friend and faithful companion.
Dog on a Cushion from 1976 is a beautifully playful example of Botero's celebrated sculptural practice, with the small well-rounded canine proudly perching on a fluffy cushion- an emblem of domesticity and comfort but also a nod to the importance we give to the pets in our lives. The artist's fascination with horses, cats, birds, and dogs is a prominent feature throughout his oeuvre. Characterised by an intentional exaggeration of his subjects' forms, Botero's ability to infuse life into his sculptures is striking. The present work is not a mere imitation of a dog but a celebration of its essence, the exaggerated curves and humorous expectantly outstretched tongue emphasize the joviality and charm of the animal, which might at any moment jump off the cushion.
Dogs have held a significant role in art history as subjects of fascination, symbolism, and companionship. From ancient cave paintings to the masterpieces of the Renaissance and beyond, dogs have been depicted in various contexts, reflecting their diverse roles in human societies. As companions and symbols of fidelity, dogs often appear in portraits, signifying loyalty, trust, and the bonds of friendship. Furthermore, their depictions in hunting scenes highlight their utilitarian roles as skilled hunters and trackers. In the broader context of art history, dogs have served as allegorical symbols, representing virtue, faithfulness, or even human qualities, reminding us of their enduring importance in the human experience.
Profoundly influenced by the classical masterworks he saw during his studies and travels, Botero dedicated his life to critically re-interpret iconic paintings, paying homage to the great artists of the past whilst finding true originality doing so. Not unlike Picasso, whose Cubist breakthrough came after experimenting with the construction of a guitar, Botero had his artistic revolution with a mandolin. In 1956, the artist painted an image of a mandolin resting on a table and decided to place a disproportionately small hole in the body of the instrument, thus transforming it into an object of exaggerated mass and monumentality; a lifelong fascination with the exploration of volume was born.
World-renowned for his often epic paintings, Botero's foray into sculpture has further enriched his artistic repertoire over the decades. Dog on a Cushion stands as a prime example of his prowess in this medium. His sculptures are characterised by the same aesthetic principles that define his paintings—exaggerated volumes, harmonious proportions, and a playful approach to form. The transition from canvas to three-dimensional sculpture however allowed the artist to bring his iconic subjects to life in a tangible and interactive way with a tactile quality that invites viewers to engage on a more physical level. Dog on a Cushion exemplifies this approach, with its smooth, sensuous surfaces inviting touch and exploration. The artist said that "For my entire life, I've felt as if I had something to say in terms of sculpture. It's a very strong desire...pleasure—that of touching the new reality that you create. Certainly, in a painting you give the illusion of truth, but with sculpture, you can touch its reality . . . . If I paint a knife in my pictures, it's imaginary, but if I sculpt it, then the sensation of having it in your hand is real— it's an object from your spirit, it's a sensual experience even in its execution. It brings a special joy to touch the material with your hands." (the artist in: E. J. Sullivan, Botero Sculpture, New York 1986, p. 13.
Fernando Botero's contributions to the world of art are substantial and far-reaching and his unique style and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision have earned him a significant place in art history. His oeuvre serves as a bridge between traditional and contemporary art, drawing from classical techniques while infusing them with a modern and innovative sensibility. Embracing diversity and celebrating the inherent charm in all subjects, he challenges conventional notions of beauty and representation and forces viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions and stereotypes.
The same dog of undefined breed as in the present work can be found in many of the artist's paintings, and a large-scale sculpture version, without the plump cushion, can be found in the Plaza Botero in the artist's hometown of Medellín. Other Botero works are presently held in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museo Botero in Bogotá. In 1958 and 1992 Botero participated in the Venice Biennale and represented Colombia in the 5th São Paulo Biennial, Brazil. He has had major retrospectives at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC (1979); Seibu Museum of Art, Tokyo (1981); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (1987); Museo de Bellas Artes, Bilbao (2012); and many others. Botero's international recognition and ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries has elevated the visibility of Latin American artists on the global stage. Unequivocally timeless, his work continues to inspire artists worldwide, encouraging them to explore new dimensions of expression and representation and Dog on a Cushion offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a charming example from the contemporary master's celebrated oeuvre.