Archbishop Leads Farewell Mass for Iconic Artist Fernando Botero in Bogota

Archbishop Leads Farewell Mass for Iconic Artist Fernando Botero in Bogota

Monsignor Luis Jose Rueda Aparicio, the Archbishop of Bogota, officiated the farewell Mass for the renowned painter and sculptor Fernando Botero. The iconic artist’s body was respectfully placed in a cremation chamber within the Elliptical Hall of the Congress of the Republic for a period of three days.

The ceremony, held at the Primate Cathedral of Bogota, was attended by Botero’s children, Fernando and Lina, as well as the President, Gustavo Petro, and other national political figures.

The decision of the farewell ceremony was determined by the family, with the support of the Bank of the Republic, the Senate, and the Government of Antioquia. The Culture Minister, Juan David Correa, expressed his sentiments towards bidding farewell to Botero, recognizing the artist’s work as a transformative force in the world of art.

Despite a strong security presence, many citizens came to pay their last respects to the artist who revolutionized the world with his art. One of the attendees, Inés Meisel, thanked God for the extraordinary painter and sculptor whose works were known worldwide, remembering his love and generosity for his homeland.

Botero Museum: A Tribute to the Iconic Artist

Botero’s body was moved to the Botero Museum of the Bank of the Republic. There, a ceremony and musical intervention were held in the location that houses the 208 works Botero donated, both of his own creation and from his private collection of international artists.

The solemn act included a formal greeting, a choir performance, speeches from institutions and Botero’s family members, and a musical performance by a string quartet from the Colombia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yeruham Scharowsky and concertmaster Leonidas Cáceres.

Colombian authorities have prepared to bid farewell to their most internationally recognized artist, Fernando Botero, with a series of tributes open to the public. The planned ceremonies, including religious services, musical performances, and public viewings of his body, are intended to honor the artist’s life and vast body of work.

This series of events underscores the national importance and global recognition of Botero, whose unique style and prolific output have left an indelible mark on the world of art. Botero’s distinctive style, often featuring rotund figures and satirical themes, have been celebrated worldwide and are instantly recognizable.

Botero’s Children Unveil Strategy to Preserve Father’s Artistic Legacy Worldwide

The late artist’s children are resolute in their determination to safeguard his paintings, sculptures, and drawings, preserving them as a testament to his artistic brilliance. Additionally, they have outlined plans to host numerous exhibitions showcasing Botero’s distinctive style and diverse subjects, which encompass everyday Colombian life, human and animal portraits, and vibrant still lifes, among other themes, allowing a global audience to appreciate his work.

Significantly, the family has taken a firm stance against the circulation of counterfeit artworks falsely attributed to Botero. Such forgeries not only diminish the value of the artist’s genuine creations but also dishonestly exploit his esteemed name. To address this issue, they have announced the establishment of a committee of experts. This committee will diligently verify the authenticity of artworks attributed to Botero, ensuring that only genuine pieces of his art are in circulation and that his reputation remains untarnished.