The artwork titled “The Deceased Dimas” was created by artist Frida Kahlo in the year 1937. This portrait, rendered in oil on masonite, measures 48 x 31 cm and is representative of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. The artwork finds its residence within the Dolores Olmedo Collection in Mexico City, Mexico.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately drawn to the central figure, a young child who appears to be lying down, possibly alluding to a state of eternal rest given the title “The Deceased Dimas.” The child is adorned in an attire reminiscent of traditional Mexican garments, with vibrant colors and a sash across the torso. An enigmatic, stoic expression is captured on the child’s face, eyes closed, conveying a sense of peaceful repose. This portrait is set against a background filled with various flowers, which might symbolize life, death, and the afterlife in the cultural context in which Kahlo was working. A judicious use of color palette, rich in golden, green, and red hues, adds warmth and texture to the scene.
Kahlo’s brushwork imbues the scene with an accessible, simplified aesthetic characteristic of Naïve Art, yet the subject matter is dealt with profound emotional depth, likely reflecting personal experiences or societal commentary. Elements such as a toy or figure to the left of the subject provide further narrative insight into the life and perhaps the untimely passing of Dimas. The overall composition, while stark in its subject, is instilled with a sense of dignity and respect, in keeping with the traditional values associated with memorials and tributes to the deceased.
