The artwork “Portrait of Cristina My Sister” is a piece by Frida Kahlo, completed in 1928. It is an oil painting on wood which falls under the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 99 x 81.5 cm, establishing it as a portrait genre piece, and it is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork presents a frontal portrayal of Cristina, Frida Kahlo’s sister. The figure is depicted with a stern and pensive expression, her eyes directly engaging with the viewer, creating an intimate yet commanding presence. Kahlo employs a subdued color palette primarily consisting of whites and neutrals, with subtle hints of color, accentuating the naturalistic portrayal of her sister. The sitter’s simple white garment highlights her form against the pale background, with the precise rendering of her features demonstrating Kahlo’s adeptness with the brush.
To the right of the composition, there is a depiction of a plant, which could be interpreted as symbolic, a common characteristic in Kahlo’s work. The artwork exhibits a flatness typical of the Naïve style, with less emphasis on perspective and a greater focus on the emotional weight of the subject. Despite its simplicity, the artwork carries a depth of emotion and character, reflective of Kahlo’s intimate relationship with her sibling and her pursuit of personal expression through her paintings.
