Colombian Artist Fernando Botero Has Passed Away At 91 Years Old Posted on September 15, 2023 by Sarah Elles Boggs It is a sad day in the art world, as Colombiain-born Fernando Botero has passed away at the age of 91. After a long and storied career, he had retired to Monaco and in recent months also lost his wife. It has been announced that his cause of death was complications from pneumonia, although there is a romantic aspect to it as well with speculation that he died of a broken heart. His wife Sophia, whom he married in 1978 passed away on May 5, 2023 at the age of 82. She was also a sculptor and painter. “The painter of our traditions and our defects, the painter of our virtues has died,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote on X. “He painted violence and peace. He painted the pigeon that was rejected one thousand times, and put one thousand times on a throne.” Where To Find Botero Pieces In Miami With his large-scale bronze sculptures and signature style, recognizing one of Botero’s pieces is easy. They have shown up on many of the world’s most famous boulevards as public displays of art, the inflated and overpowering figures are said to evoke feelings of grandeur, vanity and greed. Some others say they are acts of satire. Whatever they mean to you, they certainly bring the Colombian art world into the world’s eye. In Miami, there are several pieces that are either permanent displays or show up in different locations and galleries for specific events. The Related Group has been known to place Botero statues at their new developments, including SLS Brickell and SLS Lux in Brickell. It is here that the “Male Torso” was showcased. At the Four Seasons Miami Brickell, there are several on permanent display. This is the hotel’s way of beautifully honoring the Latin heritage that is represented in our city. As you enter the hotel lobby, you are immediately greeted by two 12-foot sculptures titled “Adam and Eve”. They have a commanding presence and each weigh over a ton. On the seventh-floor lobby, “The Seated Woman” (pictured above) looks over guests as they check in or head to the pool. She weighs 1,985 pounds according to the hotel concierge. Botero has made an immense mark on the art world during his long and storied hotel, may he rest in peace. Image courtesy of Four Seasons Brickell