Frida Kahlo in her bedroom with a young goat in her arm

In a short essay describing his 1940 visit with Rivera and Kahlo, Silberstein recalls, “Frida could see that I was amused by the contrast between the menacing, skeleton-shaped figure above and the sewing machine at the foot of the bed.” She appears at ease holding a baby goat against her chest with one arm, and there’s something frank in the way she looks at the camera.

Silberstein’s work, depicting Kahlo surrounded by the possessions in her home—her own paintings, works of folk art including ceramics and papier maché Judas figures, and here, a pet goat—gives us insight into how she wished to be seen, a glimpse at one version of her public persona.