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A self-portrait by Frida is expected to set auction record for a work by a Latin American artist
23 September 2021
The 1949 desolate self-portrait "Diego y yo" ("Diego and I") is expected to smash auction records - with an estimate in excess of $30m by Sotheby - as it becomes the most valuable work of Latin American art ever publicly offered for sale.
1949 was a particularly low point in the relationship between Frida and Diego Rivera. Rumors circulated that Diego intended to marry the beautiful film star Maria Felix - one of Frida's friends - with whom he was having an affair. Although Diego remained with Frida and she made jokes about the affair, she was deeply wounded. Extramarital relationships were common both from Kahlo and Rivera but this painting reveals a deep level of emotional anguish even for their tumultuous relationship.
In the painting Kahlo's hair is shown wrapped around her neck almost strangling her and tears run down her face as her eyes look mournfully towards the viewer.
The reason for her distress, Rivera, is depicted in the centre of her forehead indicating that although he may be the cause of her pain he is always prominent in her mind's eye and her obsession for him is made clear.
Despite their turbulent relationship and frequent indiscretions Kahlo and Rivera remained married until Kahlo's death in July 1954.
The painting was later sold at a Sotheby's New York auction in May 1990 for $1,430,000 making Kahlo the first ever Latin American artist to achieve a price above one million dollars.
"Diego y yo" will be on view to the public in Hong Kong from October 7 to 11, and in London October 22-25. It will then return to New York for exhibition before the November sale.
