“Portrait of Dolores Del Rio” is an oil painting created by Diego Rivera in 1938. As a product of Rivera’s foray into the Art Deco movement, the artwork is classified as a portrait that captures the likeness of Dolores Del Rio.
In this portrait, a woman is depicted from the waist up, her body slightly turned at an angle, with her face directed straightforward toward the viewer. The subject, Dolores Del Rio, has a composed and serene expression, with subtle shadows playing across her delicate features to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. Her eyes are particularly striking, seeming to gaze directly at the observer with an intense and engaging look.
The woman’s attire consists of a blouse or dress with a sweetheart neckline that leaves her shoulders bare. The garment is pale, with translucent lace details, conveying a sense of delicate elegance. A shade of purple fabric is visible from the waist down, suggesting a simple yet sophisticated style typical of 1930s fashion, which aligns with the Art Deco elements. Her hands are gently placed one over the other, resting upon her lap, a pose that lends further grace to the overall composition. The neutral background and the straightforward inscription of the name “Dolores” at the top frame the subject and accentuate her visage, focusing attention on her personality and poise.
The painting’s color palette is soft, with pastel hues dominating the portrait, complementing the subject’s skin tones, and contributing to the understated elegance of the piece. Diego Rivera’s talent for capturing the human form and character is evident here, presenting Del Rio in a light that transcends the specifics of her appearance and hints at a deeper insight into her persona.
