The artwork titled “Portrait of My Father” was painted by the celebrated artist Frida Kahlo in 1951. This portrait is rendered in oil on masonite, measuring 60.5 x 46.5 cm, and it is housed at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City, Mexico. Kahlo’s painting falls within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement, and it is characterized by its forthright and unsophisticated portrayal of the subject, in this case, a genre that can be classified as a portrait.
“Portrait of My Father” depicts Kahlo’s father, Guillermo Kahlo, against a textured, earth-toned backdrop. Guillermo Kahlo is portrayed in a formal, chest-high posture, with meticulous attention to his facial features. His expression is solemn and contemplative, with a penetrating gaze directed straight out of the canvas, engaging the viewer. Notable is his well-groomed mustache and carefully styled hair, indicative of the era’s fashion. The subject is dressed in a dark brown suit with a crisp white shirt and a bow tie, suggesting a sense of propriety and formality.
To the left of Guillermo Kahlo, there is a photographic camera perched on a table, which is a likely nod to his profession as a photographer. The interaction of text and imagery in this piece is a characteristic element of Kahlo’s work; handwriting can be observed at the bottom of the canvas, adding a personal and intimate layer to the artwork. This cursive script, presumably Kahlo’s own, may offer insights into her sentiments towards her father and their relationship.
Moreover, the textured background, possibly simulating a wall or canvas, features indiscriminate spots and marks, which contribute to the overall rustic and simple aesthetic of the painting, aligning with the Primitivist tendency to embrace elemental forms and a certain rawness in art. It is a somber yet affectionate tribute from a daughter to her father, exemplifying Kahlo’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance through portraiture.
