Botero Style Drawing Appraisal

Figural Study in Sanguine Monochrome (style of Botero)

This is a framed artwork executed in a sanguine (red chalk) monochrome style, depicting a plump male figure seated at a table. The figure, dressed in a hat, jacket, and trousers, is characterized by the exaggerated, voluminous forms typical of Fernando Botero's style, an aesthetic known as 'Boterismo'. He is shown engaged in what appears to be the peeling of a small fruit or vegetable, holding a knife in one hand and the item in the other, with peelings visible on the table. The setting is an interior scene looking out onto a village landscape with tiled roofs, a church steeple, and distant mountains under a cloudy or overcast sky. A draped curtain is visible on the left side of the composition. The artwork is contained within an ornate, dark-toned (likely black or very dark brown) wooden frame featuring intricate, possibly carved or molded, scrollwork and floral motifs. The signature 'F. Botero 11' is visible in the lower right corner, suggesting an attribution to Fernando Botero and a creation year of 2011. While the style strongly emulates Botero's distinct aesthetic, further authentication would be required to confirm it as an original work by the renowned artist. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of major damage, fading, or material degradation visible within the frame. The frame itself shows some minor wear consistent with handling but maintains its structural integrity and decorative appeal. The monochromatic palette emphasizes form and shadow, highlighting the three-dimensional quality of the 'Botero' style figures.