Irene Estrella, 1946.
Oil on canvas
Gift of Corliss Lamont ’20, a friend of the artist
Painted on canvas and at a small scale, Irene Estrella is not what one would expect to see from Diego Rivera, due to his reputation as a communist political figure, notoriety for his politically charged, large-scale murals, and tendency to represent groups, rather than individuals. Rivera creates a unique intimacy, which is not present in his murals, by capturing this individual child in the midst of play in Irene Estrella. Irene’s gaze unflinchingly locks with the viewer, a yellow block poised midway to her mouth in her round fingers.
Mystery surrounds Irene Estrella though– who commissioned this work? What is this child’s connection to the artist? Moreover, the sitter for the portrait, Irene Estrella, would be her in her early 70’s. Who is she and what is her story?