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Frida Kahlo’s “El Sueño” Breaks Auction Records at $54.7 Million

Source: Frida Kahlo’s “El Sueño” Sells for $54.7 Million, Setting New Auction Record (2025-11-25)

In a historic auction at Sotheby’s, Frida Kahlo’s masterpiece “El Sueño” (The Dream) sold for an astonishing $54.7 million, setting a new record for her work and for a female artist. This surrealist painting, which explores themes of life, death, and subconscious imagery, surpassed previous benchmarks, including Kahlo’s own record of $34.9 million and the $44.4 million paid for Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Jimson Weed / White Flower No. 1.” The sale took place during the “Exquisite Corpus” auction, which featured works from renowned surrealists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, highlighting the painting’s significance within the Surrealist movement. The auction’s success underscores Kahlo’s rising prominence in the art world, especially as her influence extends beyond her lifetime, inspiring contemporary artists and cultural movements worldwide. Recent facts that deepen the context include: 1. “El Sueño” was created in 1940, during Kahlo’s most prolific period, reflecting her personal struggles and Mexican heritage. 2. The painting’s sale marks the highest price ever achieved for a Latin American artwork at auction. 3. Kahlo’s works have seen a 150% increase in auction prices over the past five years, reflecting growing global demand. 4. The “Exquisite Corpus” auction was part of Sotheby’s effort to spotlight women artists and Surrealism’s influence in modern art. 5. Kahlo’s influence has expanded into fashion, film, and social activism, making her a cultural icon beyond the art world. 6. Experts predict that Kahlo’s market value will continue to rise, driven by increased scholarly interest and cultural recognition. 7. The sale of “El Sueño” coincides with a major retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, further elevating her legacy. 8. Kahlo’s paintings are now among the most sought-after works in contemporary art collections worldwide, often fetching prices in the tens of millions. 9. The auction’s record-breaking sale highlights the shifting landscape of art investment, with more collectors prioritizing works by women and marginalized artists. 10. Sotheby’s has announced plans to host more auctions dedicated to Latin American and women artists, reflecting this growing market trend. This landmark sale not only cements Frida Kahlo’s status as a towering figure in art history but also signals a broader shift toward recognizing the importance of diverse voices in the art market. As her influence continues to grow, Kahlo’s “El Sueño” stands as a testament to her enduring legacy and the evolving appreciation for her groundbreaking work.

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