The artwork entitled “Portrait of Lucha Maria, A Girl from Tehuacan” was crafted by artist Frida Kahlo in 1942. This oil on masonite painting is a representative piece of the Naïve Art movement, particularly Primitivism, and measures 54.6 by 43.2 cm in dimension. The genre of the artwork is portraiture, and as of the last known records, it resides within a private collection.
The artwork presents a young girl seated against a backdrop suggestive of a wide-open space. The scene is set under a dramatic sky with dark, swirling clouds and a prominent sun that emits an intense radiance. Accompanying the sun, a smaller, less luminous celestial body—possibly the moon—adds a sense of duality to the celestial narrative. In the distance, pyramidal shapes recall the appearance of distant mountains or perhaps echo the forms of ancient Mesoamerican pyramids.
The subject of the portrait, Lucha Maria, is depicted siting on a rock, her feet bare and her legs crossed. She dons a traditional shawl with intricate patterns, and her calm demeanor is accentuated by her direct and engaging gaze. In her hands, she holds an object that could be a toy or perhaps something of personal significance, but details are obscured to leave its interpretation open. The overall composition and use of color convey a sense of serene dignity and the rich cultural heritage of Tehuacan. Frida Kahlo’s distinctive style blends folk art elements with a symbolic richness, exemplifying her contribution to the art world and her connection with Mexican identity.
