Frida Kahlo Self-Portrait Sets New Auction Record

A New Record for Frida Kahlo

A haunting self-portrait painted in 1940 by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was sold on November 20 for $54.7 million, setting a new record for the most expensive artwork by a Latin American artist ever auctioned.

Details of the Painting

The painting, created during a period of personal and physical suffering following her separation from muralist Diego Rivera, depicts Kahlo gazing directly at the viewer with her signature intensity. The work, showcasing her vivid symbolism and emotional depth, had been privately held for over three decades before making its appearance at auction.

Auction and Market Impact

The sale took place at a major international auction house and drew global attention from collectors and institutions. Experts noted that the result reflects the continuing rise of interest in women artists and Latin American modernism.

"Kahlo’s art resonates deeply because it unites pain and beauty in a singular vision," said an art historian commenting on the sale.

The record-breaking price surpassed previous highs for Kahlo’s work and placed her among the most valuable painters of the 20th century.


Author’s summary: Frida Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait sold for $54.7 million, breaking records and confirming her as a leading figure in global art history.

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Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Arkansas Democrat-Gazette — 2025-11-30

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