Frida Kahlo portrait could sell for $60 million and shatter records at Sotheby's

Frida Kahlo Portrait Could Sell for $60 Million and Shatter Records at Sotheby's

A self-portrait by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, titled "El sueño (La cama)" or "The Dream (The Bed)," is poised to set a new benchmark for female artists at auction. Scheduled for sale at Sotheby's on November 8, the painting carries an estimated value of $40 million to $60 million. If it achieves the higher end of this estimate, it will surpass the existing record of $44.4 million for a work by a female artist, held by Georgia O'Keefe's "Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1." The highest known price for a Kahlo piece at auction is $34.9 million, achieved in 2021 for "Diego and I."

"El sueño (La cama)" is a vivid psychological self-portrait, showcasing Kahlo's mastery of symbolism and surrealistic elements. Painted in 1940, it portrays Kahlo in a four-poster bed, enveloped by vines, under a sky-blue canopy adorned with a skeleton wired with dynamite. This piece is not only significant due to its artistic merit but also because it is one of the few Kahlo works not held in a museum or within Mexico.

The painting is part of a larger auction of over 100 surrealist works from an undisclosed private collection, featuring artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, and Dorothea Tanning. This collection represents a burgeoning interest in surrealism, a movement that has seen its market share rise significantly from 9.3% to 16.8% in recent years. Kahlo, although resistant to the surrealist label, is recognized for her exploration of the subconscious and dream-like imagery, aligning her with the movement's principles.

The artwork will be showcased at Sotheby's in London until the end of its exhibition on Tuesday, before traveling to Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Paris, culminating in the New York sale. This tour underscores the global anticipation and excitement surrounding this historic auction.

How to engage

• Visit Sotheby's in London to view "El sueño (La cama)" before it moves on its international tour. The exhibition is open until Tuesday.
• Attend the auction in New York on November 8 to witness the potential record-breaking sale live.
• Explore the history and impact of surrealism through the other works in the auction, featuring pieces by notable artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.
• Join art talks or discussions focusing on Frida Kahlo's influence and the significance of her works outside Mexico.