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MYSTERY SOLVED: The Mystery of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Unidentified Woman in New York studio, 193-?

Sepia photograph of the mystery woman (left) and Frida Kahlo (right) seated at a table in an art studio. Diego Rivera is standing behind them, leaning forward. On the table in front of them is an array of art works and books, and a mug full of paintbrushes. There are sculptures and decorations in the background. The unidentified woman is wearing a suit jacket, a decorative hat, and is looking off to the side.
Charmante Studio, Inc. Photograph of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in New York studio, 193-?. Bernard H. Berntsen papers, 1931-1987. Archives of Armerican Art, Smithsonian Institution.

The Mystery:

Where: New York artists’ studio

When: 193-?

Who (left to right): Unidentified woman, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo

Help us solve the mystery: Who is the unidentified woman? What year was this photo taken?

The Solution:

Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Helena Rubenstein in San Angel Studio, in Mexico, 1943.

Where: San Angel Studio, the artists’ shared studio in Mexico

When: 1943

Who (left to right): Helena Rubenstein, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo

Helena Rubenstein was a Polish American art collector, philanthropist, and business woman.

How to Get In Touch:

If you have leads, clues, or ideas of who the unknown individuals may be , email us at AAAMysteries@si.edu. Your email should include:

  1. Your first and last name
  2. Your organization, if applicable
  3. Your preferred mode of contact, should we need to reach you (e.g. email address or phone number)
  4. The photo name (for which you are identifying the unknown individual)
  5. The name of the individual you believe is the unidentifiable figure in the photo or any information you may have that could help us identify the individual
  6. Your level of certainty in the information you provided

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