The artwork titled “Self Portrait Dedicated to Sigmund Firestone” is a significant piece created by the revered artist Frida Kahlo in 1940. This self-portrait, executed with oil on masonite, measures 61 x 43 cm and belongs to the Naïve Art movement, also known as Primitivism. Currently, it is housed within the Violet Gershenson Collection in New York City, NY, US. The artwork serves as a quintessential example of Frida Kahlo’s unique style and emotional depth.
The artwork presents a striking image of Frida Kahlo, who appears in a frontal pose against a muted background. Her expression is stern and contemplative, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze. The artist’s signature features, such as her prominent eyebrows and dark hair, are meticulously depicted. Kahlo’s choice of attire in the artwork, a simple pink blouse adorned with a pre-Columbian jade necklace, evokes a sense of her Mexican heritage. Intricate details, such as the pattern on her blouse and the texture of her hair, are rendered with precision. A note in the upper right corner of the artwork adds a personal touch, indicating the dedication of the portrait to Sigmund Firestone, revealing a layer of personal significance and connection to the individual for whom the artwork was intended.
