The Bathroom (After Pierre Bonnard)
Original painting on canvas (likely a digital print reproduction in the provided image) • Fernando Botero (Colombia, 1932–2023)
Style & Movement
Boterismo / Neo-figurative Art; a style characterized by exaggerated, voluminous figures and forms.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas (original); the image shows a smooth finish with rounded volumes and soft light typical of Boterismo, using precise brushwork and flat color fields.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (Original painted circa 1989)
Dimensions & Format
Portrait format; original measures approximately 190 x 140 cm (74.8 x 55 inches).
Subject Description
A voluminous nude woman stands in a bathroom, seen from behind as she touches her hair while looking into a mirror. The composition includes a toilet, sink, and bathtub, reinterpreting classical bath subjects with the artist's signature 'fat' aesthetic. It plays with themes of vanity and domesticity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (for the print shown); the physical print appears clean but shows curling at the edges, suggesting it is an unframed poster or canvas transfer.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $200 (for the reproduction shown); Original paintings by Botero of this scale routinely sell for $1.5 million - $3 million USD.
Auction Estimate
$20 - $150 (print/poster); Original works would carry a multimillion-dollar estimate at a major auction house like Sotheby's or Christie's.
Provenance History
The original work was part of several prestigious private collections and major museum retrospectives. The item pictured is a modern commercial reproduction.
Art Historical Significance
Botero is one of the most recognized Latin American artists. This piece is significant for its dialogue with the history of art, specifically referencing the bathroom scenes of Impressionist Pierre Bonnard through the lens of Latin American figurative tradition.
Notable Features
Features the signature distorted perspective and bulbous physiological proportions that define Botero's global brand; the use of pastel greens and yellows creates a soft, almost surreal domestic atmosphere.
Condition Issues
Visible curling of the paper or canvas substrate; small creases at the top and bottom edges where the hands are holding the print; slight color saturation loss typical of mass-produced prints.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing under UV-protective glass is recommended to prevent further curling and fading. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.