The Card Player 

Fernando Botero created this painting, called The Card Player, in the style that has become his signature. Botero is a Columbian artist who makes paintings and sculptures of people and objects that appear inflated. Some critics have interpreted his work as a commentary on the corruption of the upper classes. The setting of this painting is a shadowy room with a dim light bulb, and a servant is bringing drinks to the two figures playing cards. The male figure is smoking a cigarette and wearing a suit, while the female figure is nude. These visual cues suggest wealth and decadence. The painting might be a satirical critique of the wealthy. It invites us to consider the role of social class in shaping our perception of beauty. Art historians use resources such as biographies and cultural histories to better understand the context in which artwork is made. This work reminds us that art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and institutional critique.