The artwork titled “Portrait of Miguel N. Lira” was painted by Frida Kahlo in 1927. Executed in oil on canvas, it is part of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and serves as a portrait genre piece. The dimensions of the artwork are 106 x 74 cm.
This portrait presents a sober depiction of a man, presumably Miguel N. Lira, against a complex backdrop that includes various symbols and figures. The subject is shown in profile with sharp, prominent features, gazing into the distance. He is dressed formally in a black suit and tie, with a white shirt whose sleeve prominently displays a red flower and fruit, possibly an emblem or personal reference.
Behind him, the composition is rich with imagery: a white horse, a stringed instrument, a marionette-like figure, and a skull. Dark tones predominantly fill the background, punctuated by the brighter colors of the objects and figures that are seemingly suspended in an abstract space. The letters and numbers scattered around could indicate personal or cultural references particular to the subject’s life or the artistic context of the time. These elements together create a somewhat surreal and enigmatic atmosphere that is characteristic of Kahlo’s work, blurring the line between reality and symbolism.
