Biographical note

Fernando Botero (b. 1932) is the most prominent living painter of our time, his voluminous figures instantly distinguishable. The Colombian artist studied at the Academia de San Fernando in Madrid before travelling to Paris and Florence to expand upon his understanding of fine art. In 1958, he gained widespread exposure after winning first prize at the Salón de Artistas Colombianos. In the last three decades, he has achieved international recognition for his many paintings, drawings, and sculptures, with more than 50 exhibitions around the world. Botero continues to be an active member of the art community, working primarily in Paris, Monaco, and Pietrasanta, Italy, near the quarry where his sculptures are constructed. Curtis Bill Pepper (b. 1917) is an American author and journalist. He has served as Newsweek's Mediterranean bureau chief in Rome, covered the Vatican for the United Press International, worked for The New York Times, and reported briefly for CBS. Pepper is the author of seven books, the latest of which, Leonardo, is a biographical novel of Leonardo da Vinci. Pepper divides his time between homes in Umbria, Italy and New York City with his wife, the sculptor, Beverly Pepper.