“Oranges,” created in 1973 by Fernando Botero, is a piece that epitomizes the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and belongs to the still life genre. This artwork portrays a simple yet compelling arrangement of oranges in various stages of being peeled and segmenting.
In the artwork, a group of oranges is displayed on a wooden surface draped with a white cloth. The setting is bathed in a warm yellow light that matches the radiant hues of the oranges. One orange is fully intact, while another is partially peeled, revealing segments ready to be consumed. The precision with which Botero renders the oranges invites viewers to appreciate the textures and forms within the still life. The background is a plain yellow, further emphasizing the fruits and creating a tranquil, meditative ambiance. The style is characterized by Botero’s signature exaggerated proportions, although subtly used in this still life composition, imparting a distinctive character to the depiction.