Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait, El sueño (La cama), has made a remarkable impact on the art world by selling for an astonishing $54.7 million, making it the most expensive work by a female artist ever sold at auction. This sale took place at Sotheby’s in New York, breaking the previous record held by Georgia O’Keeffe.
O’Keeffe’s painting, Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1, sold for $44.4 million back in 2014. Kahlo’s latest piece was expected to fetch between $40 million and $60 million, and now it claims the top spot for female artists. Interestingly, another of Kahlo’s works, Diego y yo, held the record just a couple of years ago.
Before this auction, El sueño (La cama) hadn’t been shown publicly for almost 30 years. It toured major cities like London, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, drawing significant attention during its presentations. The painting illustrates Kahlo lying on a bed, set against a light blue sky, entwined with green vines. Above her, a skeleton with dynamite holds a bouquet of dried flowers, showcasing Kahlo’s signature surrealism.
Kahlo often painted from bed due to health issues following a devastating bus accident. In fact, her family created a special setup so she could work while lying down. She once remarked, “I am not dead and I have a reason to live. That reason is painting.”
The piece itself was painted during a tumultuous period in 1940, marking the year she remarried Diego Rivera, having divorced him just a year earlier. It was also the same year her former lover, revolutionary Leon Trotsky, was assassinated.
Sotheby’s Anna Di Stasi highlighted the painting’s rarity before the auction, noting, “El sueño (La cama) has been one of very few works of this caliber still in private hands.” She emphasized Kahlo’s unique place in art history, describing the deep connection people feel with her work. As crowds gathered to view the painting globally, it became clear that Kahlo’s appeal transcends time.
In a world where art continues to evolve, Kahlo’s imagery and emotional depth resonate strongly with contemporary audiences. The sale of this piece not only honors her legacy but also underscores the growing recognition of female artists in the auction circuit. The art market has seen a 16% increase in sales for works by female artists in recent years, reflecting a positive shift toward inclusivity.
For more on the evolving art market and female representation, check out reports from Art Basel and The Art Newspaper.
