Self Portrait Dedicated
to Sigmund Firestone

1940

In early 1940, the American engineer Sigmund Firestone commissioned a self-portrait from both Frida and Diego. They were paid a total of $500. Frida delivered this self-portrait to Firestone in 1940 but Diego did not finish his self-portrait until the following year.

In this self-portrait, Frida is combining the pre-Columbian jewelry with the typical catholic covering of the head, pointing to the duality of her roots, as well as the duality of her country. In the inscription on the note in the upper right corner Frida dedicates the self-portrait to Firestone and his two daughters; Natalia and Alberta:

"México, Coyoacán.
For Mr. Sigmund Firestone and his daughters Alberta and Natalia I painted this self-portrait with affection, in February of 1940 - Frida Kahlo"

In a 1940 letter to Firestone, Frida assures him that Diego will start his self-portrait as soon as he finishes the murals he is working on. When his self-portrait is finished she tells Firestone that: "…and we will be together again on your wall, as a symbol of our remarriage. I am very happy and proud because you like my portrait, it is not beautiful, but I made it with a great pleasure for you".

Oil on masonite
24" x 17"
Collection of
Violet Gershenson
New York

Óleo sobre fibra dura
61 x 43. cm.
Colección de
Violet Gershenson
Nueva York

Diego's Self Portrait
for Sigmund Firestone
(January 1941)

Autorretrato de Diego
para Sigmund Firestone
(Enero de 1941)

A principios de 1940, el ingeniero Americano Sigmund Firestone encargó un autorretrato a ambos, Frida y Diego. Les pagó un total de $500. Frida entregó este autorretrato a Firestone en 1940, pero Diego no acabó su autorretrato hasta el año siguiente.

En este autorretrato, Frida combina las joyas pre-colombinas con la típica mantilla católica en la cabeza, una vez más mostrando la dualidad de sus raíces, así como la dualidad de su país. En la inscripción en la parte superior derecha, Frida dedica este autorretrato a Firestone y sus dos hijas, Natalia y Alberta:

"México, Coyoacán.
Para el Señor Sigmund Firestone y sus hijas Alberta y Natalia pinté este autorretrato con todo cariño, en Febrero de 1940. - Frida Kahlo"

En una carta de 1940 a Firestone, Frida le asegura que Diego empezará su autorretrato tan pronto como acabe los murales en los que está trabajando. Cuando acabe su autorretrato, Frida le dice a Firestone que: "…estaremos juntos de nuevo en su pared, como símbolo de nuestra nueva boda. Me siento muy feliz y orgullosa porque a usted le gusta mi retrato, no es bonito, pero lo hice con un gran placer para usted.".