A remarkable and intensely personal self-portrait by the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, unseen by the public for decades, has shattered expectations at a Sotheby's London auction. The painting, 'Diego y yo' (Diego and I), sold for an astonishing £4.9 million ($6.1 million), soaring past its pre-sale estimate.
The artwork, a profound depiction of Kahlo's tumultuous relationship with her muralist husband Diego Rivera, had been held in a private collection for over thirty years. Its emergence on the market was described by auction house experts as a 'thrilling moment' for collectors and art historians alike.
A Window Into Kahlo's Soul
Painted in 1949, the piece is a powerful example of Kahlo's signature style, blending raw emotional depth with symbolic imagery. It depicts the artist with a miniature portrait of her husband, Diego Rivera, emblazoned on her forehead. This is a recurring motif in her work, symbolizing her constant, obsessive thoughts of him.
Art critics note that the painting's value lies not only in its artistic merit but in its visceral connection to Kahlo's inner life, her physical suffering, and her passionate, often painful, marriage.
Setting the Art Market Alight
The competitive bidding war that ensued for the piece underscores the ever-growing appetite for Kahlo's work. Her pieces are rare at auction, and those of such intimate significance are even more coveted. This sale firmly re-establishes her position as one of the most influential and valuable artists of the 20th century.
The successful sale at Sotheby's London highlights the city's enduring status as a global hub for high-value art and cultural treasures, attracting international buyers for the world's most sought-after pieces.
