The millionaire figure for which her last work was auctioned

Ana Mercedes Hoyos: The millionaire figure for which her last work was auctioned

The oil painting Homage to Caravaggio II left an indelible mark on the art world

Renowned Colombian artist Ana Mercedes Hoyos, known for her brilliant contribution to the art world, has left an indelible legacy throughout her career. Therefore, it is not surprising that the auction of her oil painting Homage to Caravaggio II reached a million-dollar figure.

This painting, an impressive oil on canvas creation with dimensions of 122x152 centimeters, was sold by the prestigious Lefebre auction house in Bogotá, Colombia, on April 13, 2023. The price was 220,000,000 Colombian pesos (about US$48,855 ), thus consolidating the importance and lasting impact of Ana Mercedes Hoyos' work in the art world.

Homage to Caravaggio II is a still life representation that focuses on fruits and vegetables, particularly highlighting a watermelon and an onion. The arrangement of these elements in a geometric pattern, together with the liveliness and playfulness of the colors used, demonstrates Hoyos' mature and distinctive style. This painting also serves as a tribute to the famous Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, an icon in art history.
The million-dollar auctions of the works of Ana Mercedes Hoyos

It is not the first time that a work by Ana Mercedes Hoyos reaches high figures at auction. Previous works such as Los palenqueros, was auctioned for US$1,200,000 in 2018, La familia, US$1,000,000 in 2019, and El carnaval, for US$800,000 in 2020.
The last known work of Ana Mercedes Hoyos, before her death on September 5, 2014, is Tray of bananas and watermelons. This 132x279 centimeter oil on canvas painting, created in 2006, is in the private collection of the Hoyos family.

Like many of her works, this piece features a tray of tropical fruits, with bananas and watermelons prominently arranged in a geometric pattern, and vibrant colors that shine with joy. Furthermore, it is a testament to Ana Mercedes Hoyos' distinctive style, which is characterized by her masterful use of colors and geometric shapes.

What was the last known work of Ana Mercedes Hoyos?

The Tree of Life, a bronze sculpture donated to the Museum of Modern Art in Bogotá in 2013, is also one of the Colombian's last recognized works. This sculpture represents a tree with deep roots that extend towards the sky, symbolizing life, death and renewal. The tree, with its roots representing the past and its branches representing the future, powerfully connects the earthly world with the spiritual world.