Portrait of Marucha Lavin - Frida Kahlo

A 1942 portrait by Frida Kahlo featuring Marucha Lavin, rendered in the style of a traditional Mexican retablo with symbolic floral and butterfly motifs.

Painted in 1942, this work by Frida Kahlo depicts Marucha Lavin, a figure within the artist's social circle. The portrait is executed on a metal support, a choice that aligns with the Mexican tradition of retablos or ex-votos. These small, devotional paintings often feature religious figures or personal narratives, and Kahlo frequently adopted this format for her own portraiture to imbue her subjects with a sense of intimacy and historical continuity. The subject is presented in a frontal pose, wearing a traditional floral blouse with delicate embroidery. Her expression is composed, and her dark hair is accented by a red ribbon. The background consists of large, lush green leaves, which provide a naturalistic setting common in Kahlo's work. Two butterflies are positioned near the subject, adding a symbolic layer to the composition. A yellow ribbon, painted with a trompe l'oeil effect, arches over the subject's head, bearing an inscription that identifies the sitter and the artist. Kahlo's approach to portraiture often involved the integration of personal symbols and regional attire. By placing the subject within this specific frame and using the ribbon motif, the artist creates a sense of narrative. The work reflects the artist's interest in Mexican identity and the blending of European portrait conventions with indigenous aesthetic elements. The original piece is housed in a decorative, scalloped frame that complements the oval composition of the painting itself. This print captures the precise brushwork and the specific colour palette of the original, from the deep greens of the foliage to the warm tones of the subject's skin and the bright floral patterns of her clothing.