A 1949 watercolour by Colombian artist Fernando Botero is being auctioned in Bogotá after once being traded for two packs of cigarettes [1].
The sale highlights the dramatic shift in valuation for the artist's early output. As a global figure known for his signature voluminous style, the reappearance of a piece from the very beginning of his career provides a rare glimpse into his professional origins.
The artwork, titled "La Plegaria," dates back to 1949 [1]. Reports said Botero exchanged the piece for two packs of cigarettes during the early stages of his career [1]. This transaction stands in stark contrast to the current market value of his mature works, which are sought after by museums and private collectors worldwide.
The painting is being offered as part of a significant regional sale. The auction in Bogotá features more than 120 works by Latin American artists [1].
Botero's influence on Colombian and international art is extensive, and the provenance of "La Plegaria" adds a narrative layer to the piece. The transition from a casual trade for tobacco to a high-profile auction house reflects the trajectory of Botero's ascent in the art world.
Because the piece was created so early in his career, it lacks some of the exaggerated proportions that would later define his "Boterismo" style. This makes the work a critical point of study for historians tracing the evolution of his technique, and aesthetic choices.
“Botero once traded the piece for two packs of cigarettes.”
The auction of 'La Plegaria' underscores the ability of an artist's later fame to retroactively inflate the value of their earliest, most rudimentary works. By placing a piece once traded for a nominal commodity alongside 120 other Latin American works, the sale emphasizes the commercialization of artistic legacy and the historical curiosity surrounding the origins of the 'Boterismo' style.
