“Dos Mujeres (Salvadora y Herminia),” 1928, by Frida Kahlo.

BOSTON, MASS. — The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), has acquired “Dos Mujeres (Salvadora y Herminia),” 1928, by Frida Kahlo (1907–1954). The painting depicts two Mexican women set against dense tropical foliage. Held privately in the United States since 1929—when it was purchased directly from the artist—the portrait was the first painting ever sold by Kahlo. It is now the first work by the artist to enter the museum’s collection.

The work will be on view from January 27-March 1 in a special presentation in the Carol Vance Wall Rotunda. After conservation treatment, it will be re-installed in the Art of the Americas Wing later this year.

“The painting presents the dignified likeness of two maids, whom the artist had known since childhood. This major work will enable the museum to tell the story of Modernism in the Americas more broadly and inclusively, greatly enhancing its Art of the Americas collection. Rarely on view before now, it is the first Kahlo painting acquired by any museum in New England, and one of a select few by the artist to have entered a public collection in the US,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund director at the MFA. “Frida Kahlo’s work is a Twentieth Century touchstone, and we’re proud to be able to count this remarkable acquisition among the MFA’s masterpieces of art of the Americas. As our community continues to grow and evolve, we’re committed to representing the diverse experiences of artists in our galleries.”

The museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is at 465 Huntington Avenue. For information, www.mfa.org or 617-267-9300.