The artwork titled “Official Portrait of the Military Junta,” created by Fernando Botero in 1971, is a notable example of Naïve Art (Primitivism). As a portrait genre piece, it reflects Botero’s distinctive style, characterized by exaggerated, voluminous figures, conveying a narrative about power and authority.
In the artwork, a group of military officers is arranged in what appears to be a formal setting, possibly a room adorned with curtains. Dominant in the composition is the central figure in a prominent red uniform. Flanking this figure are other officers in various uniforms, one of whom is astride a horse, a symbol often associated with military prestige. To the left, a woman holds a child dressed in military attire, adding a layer of familial connection to the military figures. Additionally, the surroundings include a carpeted floor and a modest backdrop featuring a window and a plain wall, providing a sense of containment and focus on the figures themselves. The overall scene is imbued with Botero’s characteristic sense of whimsy and social commentary, using the exaggerated proportions to evoke contemplation about the nature of authority and the individuals who wield it.
