The artwork titled “Notre Dame de New York,” created by Fernando Botero in 1966, falls within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is a religious painting. The piece captures a unique interpretation of religious themes, characteristic of Botero’s distinctive style.
This specific artwork portrays an exaggeratedly proportioned Madonna holding an infant Jesus, reflecting Botero’s trademark technique of depicting figures with volumetric forms. The background features a delicate arrangement of roses in various tones, surrounding the serene figures against a gradient sky. The unusual size and scale of the figures, coupled with the soft and rounded lines, are indicative of the artist’s approach to Naïve Art, emphasizing simplicity and a childlike perspective. The somber yet tender expressions on the faces contribute to the ethereal and contemplative atmosphere of the painting. The bold use of color and form encapsulates Botero’s unique vision, inviting viewers to explore the deeper meanings within this religious narrative.