New York City, November 21, 2025
Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait ‘El sueño (La cama)’ has sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, establishing a new record for auction prices of female artists. This remarkable sale surpasses the previous benchmark held by Georgia O’Keeffe. Painted in 1940, the artwork reflects Kahlo’s unique views on life and death during a tumultuous time in her life. The buyer’s identity is unknown, but the painting is set to be featured in future exhibitions across major cities.
New York City, November 20, 2025
Frida Kahlo’s 1940 self-portrait, “El sueño (La cama)” (“The Dream (The Bed)”), sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new auction record for a female artist.
The painting, which portrays Kahlo asleep in a floating bed beneath a skeleton wrapped in dynamite, surpassed the previous auction record held by Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1,” which sold for $44.4 million in 2014. This latest sale also exceeded Kahlo’s previous record of $34.9 million set in 2021 for “Diego and I.”
“El sueño (La cama)” was painted during a challenging period in Kahlo’s life and reflects her distinctive perspective on mortality and pain. The piece was included in a significant surrealist auction and has remained privately owned. While the identity of the buyer has not been disclosed, the painting has been requested for future exhibitions in major cities such as New York, London, and Brussels.
Frida Kahlo is celebrated for her deeply personal and symbolic self-portraits, and her work continues to resonate within the art world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of Frida Kahlo’s painting “El sueño (La cama)”?
The painting, depicting Kahlo asleep in a floating bed beneath a skeleton wrapped in dynamite, reflects her unique approach to mortality and pain.
How much did “El sueño (La cama)” sell for at auction?
The painting sold for $54.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, setting a new auction record for a female artist.
Who is the buyer of the painting?
The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed.
Where will the painting be exhibited?
The painting has been requested for future exhibitions in cities including New York, London, and Brussels.
Key Features of the Painting
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | “El sueño (La cama)” (“The Dream (The Bed)”) |
| Artist | Frida Kahlo |
| Year Created | 1940 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Depiction | Kahlo asleep in a floating bed beneath a skeleton wrapped in dynamite |
| Auction Record | $54.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York |
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