A self-portrait by the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has achieved a monumental price at auction, shattering the existing world record for a work by a female artist.
A Historic Sale at Sotheby's
The painting, titled "El sueño (La cama)" or "The Dream (The Bed)," was sold for a staggering US$54.7 million. This landmark sale took place at Sotheby's auction house. The artwork had been publicly displayed at Sotheby's London location in September 2025, building anticipation for its sale.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling for Female Artists
This result is historic, as it officially breaks the previous auction record held for a work created by a woman. The sale underscores the immense and growing market value of Kahlo's deeply personal and powerful artwork, which continues to resonate with collectors and art lovers globally decades after her death.
The Legacy of Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is renowned for her poignant and often painful self-portraits that explore themes of identity, post-colonialism, gender, and class. This record-breaking sale for "El sueño (La cama)" not only cements her status as one of the most important artists of the 20th century but also marks a significant moment in the recognition and valuation of women's contributions to the art world.
