The artwork titled “Pope Leo X (after Raphael)” by Fernando Botero, created in 1964, belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is classified under the portrait genre.
The artwork portrays a highly stylized and exaggerated depiction of Pope Leo X, inspired by Raphael’s original work. In typical Botero fashion, the figure is rendered with plump, rounded forms, creating a comically voluminous appearance. The Pope is depicted seated, adorned in papal attire with a prominent hat and robes in shades of orange and yellow. The background is kept dark, which serves to accentuate the figure’s striking presence. The artist’s characteristic approach imbues the portrait with a sense of whimsy and distortion, creating a visual impact that is both humorous and contemplative.
