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Identification of le chasseur by Fernando Botero

The work before us is titled le chasseur, a painting by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1932, Botero developed a singular visual language that would eventually command attention in major cultural centers across the globe. He remained a significant presence in the art world until his passing in Monaco on September 15, 2023, at the age of 91.

In this specific piece, the artist explores his characteristic approach to volume and presence. The subject matter involves a man in a cowboy hat, holding a gun and accompanied by his dog. This figure is set against a mountainous landscape, accompanied by sheep and other figures in the background. The composition focuses on the physical weight of the subjects, a hallmark of the artist's career.

The Composition and Visual Elements

The scene unfolds in an expansive outdoor setting, anchored by a man wearing a cowboy hat and a black shirt accented by a red tie. He holds a gun, his presence defined by a heavy, physical volume. At his feet, a dog looks up toward him, positioned closely against the man's leg. This central interaction is framed by a mountainous landscape that recedes into the background, providing a sense of depth to the rugged terrain.

The arrangement of figures creates a quiet tension within the landscape. Several other people are visible in the distance, adding a layer of social presence to the wilderness. To balance the composition, two sheep are placed within the frame; one is situated near the left side, while the other is positioned toward the right. These elements work together to establish an adventurous, western-themed atmosphere through a careful distribution of weight and form.

Technique and Physical Materials

Executed in 1980, this work is rendered in oil on canvas. The medium allows for a certain density in the application of color, which supports the heavy, voluminous presence characteristic of the artist's approach. The scale of the piece is substantial, measuring 71 3/8 x 59 in. (181.3 x 149.8 cm), providing a significant physical presence when viewed in person.

The painting is a notable example of the Hispanic Contemporary school. The application of oil creates a tactile quality that emphasizes the weight of the figures and the landscape. There is a deliberate focus on how form occupies space, using the properties of the paint to establish a sense of mass and physical gravity within the composition.

Provenance and Collection History

The history of this work is quite direct, tracing its lineage from the artist's own hands. The provenance begins in Paris, moving from the artist to its next destination on 4 November 1980. Shortly thereafter, the piece was gifted by the artist in 1980, a gesture that secured its place within a significant institutional collection.

Its presence in the public sphere was established through several notable appearances. In late 1980, the painting was featured at the Marlborough Gallery in New York, appearing in an exhibition held between 7 November and 2 December. This period marked an important moment for the work's visibility in the American art scene.

The painting later became part of a larger historical narrative when it was included in the America's Smithsonian: 150th Anniversary Exhibition. This exhibition took place between 1996 and 1998, further cementing the work's standing within the permanent holdings of the Smithsonian Institution. It remains part of the collection at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC, as a gift from the artist.

Exhibition and Museum History

The history of this work is closely tied to the institutional collections of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. It has been featured in significant exhibitions that highlight the presence of Colombian artists within the American museum landscape. One notable instance was the exhibition titled "Columbia at the Smithsonian: The Columbian Presence in the Collections of the Smithsonian," held at the Smithsonian Institution Latino Center between 6 September 2006 and 15 October 2006.

Currently, the painting is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution. It is held at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. This placement ensures the work remains accessible to those studying the development of contemporary Hispanic art and the specific volumetric language of the artist.

Where to See the Artwork Today

This work resides within the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution. It is held at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, located in Washington, DC. Visitors seeking to observe the piece in its physical context will find it part of this significant institutional holdings.

The presence of the painting in this collection is due to a gift from the artist in 1980. It is cataloged under the accession number 80.111. This placement ensures the work remains accessible to those studying the specific volumes and forms characteristic of the artist's mid-career development.