Nickolas Muray, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Covarrubias, Cristina Kahlo, 1939
Miguel Covarrubias on the beach
Nickolas Muray and Miguel Covarrubias, circa 1929
Sculpture from the collection of Diego Rivera
Self-taught artist Mardonio Magaña-Camacho (also known as Magañita) and Miguel Covarrubias
Miguel and Rosa Covarrubias, and unidentified revelers
Alfa Ríos Henestrosa
Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul, 1938
Diego Rivera with gas mask, 1938
Frida Kahlo at Casa Azul, 1938
Diego Rivera with unidentified men at Casa Azul
Miguel and Rosa Covarrubias, Frida Kahlo, and Cristina Kahlo in the kitchen of Casa Azul
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, 1940
Frida Kahlo in traction, 1940
On April 5, Sotheby’s will offer a group of 78 photographs by Nickolas Muray, many of which have never before been published. These early prints feature both posed and candid portraits of the socialites, politicians, composers, and writers closely associated with artists Miguel Covarrubias, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. Notable sitters include Carl van Vechten; composer Carlos Chavez; Alfa Ríos Henestrosa; illustrator John Held, Jr.; social realist artist Marian Greenwood; muralist Roberto Montenegro; actress Margo Albert; painter and writer Mai-Mai Sze; and Cristina Kahlo, Frida’s sister. These 78 photographs represent the most significant offering of work by Muray to appear at auction to date, and provide fascinating insight into the cultural landscape of Mexico in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.