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A Woman

Diego Rivera

Artwork Details

A Woman
1955
Diego Rivera
graphite on paper, laid on linen
8 7/16 x 6 1/4 in. (21.4 x 15.8 cm)
Gift of Gilbert M. Frimet
1985/1.106

Description

Subject Matter:

This drawing was completed only a couple years before Rivera's death. There is a strong resemblance between Emma Hurtado, the artist's fourth wife, and the woman depicted in the drawing. Originally his art dealer, they were married a year after Frida Kahlo's death. The union was extremely short lived (3 days) but this image is clearly affectionate. Rivera has written in the name of colors in various sections of the hat. This indicates that this was likely a study for a painting that was never completed. 

The extreme focus on the woman's face removes any contextual information and compels the viewer to examine an anonymous face in terms of her visual qualities rather than her external significance. The slight abstraction of the face further essentializes the character of the woman.

EC 2017
 

Physical Description:

A portrait of a woman. Only her head and the upper part of her body is visible. She is wearing a hat, a dress and some earrings. 

EC 2017

Usage Rights:

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