The Architecture of La Candelaria
Located in the La Candelaria neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia, the Botero Museum occupies a colonial house that previously functioned as the office of the archbishop until 1955. The building has been restored and adapted by the Banco de la República to provide a space for the contemplation of art. The structure is divided into two distinct sections. The west wing contains works created by Fernando Botero, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The east wing houses a collection of international works from his private holdings.
The atmosphere within the halls is intended to be one of quietude. Visitors move through the spaces to encounter the physical presence of volume and form. The museum remains open to the public daily, with the exception of Tuesdays, and admission is free of charge.
The Permanent Collection
The collection is organized to present a dialogue between the artist's own vision and the history of modern painting. The works held here represent a significant assembly of international art, including pieces by several major figures of the twentieth century. The holdings include:
- Claude Monet: Geldersekade of Amsterdam Invierno, 1874
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Vera Sertine Renoir, 1914
- Max Beckmann: Mother and Child, 1936
- Paul Delvaux: The Beautiful Night, 1962
- Camille Pissarro: The Louvre, Morning, Mist, 1901
The selection of works reflects a specific interest in the evolution of modern aesthetics. In the east wing, the 85 works from the private collection allow for a study of the lineage of form and color. These pieces sit alongside the 123 works by Botero, which emphasize a mastery of technique and a specific handling of volume.
Artistic Presence
The presence of the art in this space is defined by a focus on the human figure and the manipulation of scale. The works of the master artist are characterized by a consistency of vision and an attention to detail. His paintings and sculptures often address Colombian themes through a lens of irony and respect. The collection as a whole provides a way for students and lovers of painting to engage with significant pieces of the modern era on a permanent basis.
