Eight of the sculptures were in place by this morning with the remaining five waiting to be moved to their final locations overnight tonight. They travelled via flatbed truck, then most were moved via forklift.
Male torso (1992, edition 1/2) had to come by crane due to its weight and was carefully moved from the flatbed, placed upright, and then lifted onto its base.
The sculptures, signed, numbered, and described as “mint condition”, have a total insured value of $41 million. Male Torso is the heaviest but not the most valuable at $3.2 million. That honor goes to Ballerini, (2001, edition number 3/3) which is valued at $4 million.
“Fernando Botero is one of the world’s most iconic and recognized Masters. He has certainly earned his place in history,” said Gary Nader, Founder of Nader Art Museum, in an announcement of the exhibition. “Being around his artwork is pleasing to the eye and brings a smile to the face of all of those who see it. This exhibition on Lincoln Road will allow visitors and locals to get a closer look at Botero’s most celebrated monumental masterpieces.”
“Tourists and locals are increasingly looking for one-of-a-kind experiences that bring people together and showcase the unique aspects of a community, and Lincoln Road is the perfect venue for doing just that,” said Timothy Schmand, Executive Director of the Lincoln Road BID.
Schmand said the Lincoln Road Ambassadors rove the mall from 7 am – 11 pm and overnight security details are there from 11 pm – 7 am to keep an eye on the artwork. To our question regarding cleaning (think pigeons and parrots!), Schmand said, there are “curators on call and who will do daily monitoring and respond to any issues that may arise.”
Catch Botero on Lincoln Road from November 21 through March 31, 2020.
