The artwork “Still Life with Watermelon” by Fernando Botero, created in 1992, exemplifies the genre of still life within the context of Naïve Art, specifically identified with Primitivism. This oil on canvas measures 95 by 116 centimeters, and it presents a collection of exaggeratedly voluminous fruits and objects that resonate with Botero’s distinctive stylistic approach.
The piece is characterized by its vibrant palette and the overly plump forms that are a hallmark of Botero’s work. There is a discernible sense of stillness, as each fruit and object on the red cloth-covered table is portrayed with attention to its shape and volume rather than intricate details. Hanging fruits occupy the upper portion of the artwork, seemingly suspended in space, while an array of pears, a lemon, orange, cherries, a large cut watermelon, and other elements compose the central focal point. These fruits are joined by a coffee pot and utensils, which add a sense of domesticity and everyday life to the scene. The juxtaposition of the vivid pink background to the red tablecloth creates a striking contrast, further emphasizing the rounded forms of the fruits. The overall simplicity of the composition, combined with the robustness of form, encourages the viewer to engage with the work through the lens of shape, color, and volume, offering a unique aesthetic experience that is typical of Botero’s creative ouvre.
