Fernando Botero (Colombian b. 1932)

Animals have always played an important role in Fernando Botero's oeuvre--they are a recurring obsession which the artist has succinctly explored, developed and embraced creatively. During his trajectory, his animal subjects have included mischievous cats, loyal little dogs and plump birds and parrots such as the one in The Patio (lot 44) which sits on a veranda looking down a verdant courtyard. The horse, however, holds a special place. The splendid animal is part of many of his most notable works--both in painting and sculpture. Horse with Saddle, compact and potent, the sculpture bears all the characteristics of Botero's monumental figures--grace, power and nobility.