NEW YORK CITY — Frida Kahlo’s arresting self-portrait “Diego y yo” (Diego and I) sold for $34.9 million at Sotheby’s on November 16, shattering the artist’s own previous high of $8 million. A modern art masterpiece, the painting also set a benchmark for a work of Latin American art, as Kahlo took up the mantle from her husband Diego Rivera who, until this sale, held that record with a price of $9.8 million. Executed in 1949, the enigmatic portrait last appeared at auction in 1990 when it sold for $1.4 million at Sotheby’s New York.
The portrait was acquired by Eduardo F. Costantini Collection, a renowned collector with a longstanding commitment to supporting Latin American art and artists, and founder of Malba, Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires.
“Frida Kahlo’s status as a global cultural icon is indisputable, and — with this outstanding result — she took her place center stage among the titans of the art market,” commented Julian Dawes, Sotheby’s head of Modern art, Americas.
The sale totaled $282.9 million, with 98 percent sold. Three additional auction records were set for Enrico Donati, Pierre Soulages and for a ceramic by Pablo Picasso. For more information, 212-606-7000 or www.sothebys.com.
