This is the story recorded in history: Frida Kahlo’s painting, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale) was commissioned by Clare Boothe Luce who said she received the only note left by Dorothy Hale before her alleged suicide. Mrs. Luce gave an exclusive interview about Dorothy and the painting to renowned Frida Kahlo scholar and author, Hayden Herrera. Here is what Mrs. Luce said, “The only message she {Dorothy} had left in the apartment was a note addressed to me. She thanked me for my friendship and asked me to see that her mother, who lived in upstate New York, was notified so that arrangements could be made to have her buried in the family plot.”
When I first spoke to members of the Donovan family, they were perplexed and frustrated that Mrs. Luce had left behind these inaccuracies about Dorothy and her mother that are now recorded in countless books, articles and websites that chronicle the painting. As Dorothy Hale’s niece said to me many times, “My Aunt Dorothy deserves the respect of correct information.”
This is the story recorded in history: Frida Kaho’s painting “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale) was commissioned as a gift for Dorothy’s grieving mother. Clare Boothe Luce, who commissioned the painting, gave an exclusive interview about Dorothy Hale and the painting to renowned Frida Kahlo scholar and author, Hayden Herrera. Here is what Mrs. Luce said, “Suddenly it came to me that a portrait of Dorothy by a famous painter friend might be something her poor mother might like to have. I said so, and Kahlo thought so too. I asked the price, Kahlo told me, and I said, ‘Go ahead. Send the portrait to me when it is finished. I will then send it on to Dorothy’s mother.’
Clare Boothe Luce
Initially, I never doubted the account of Clare Boothe Luce. In fact, I was moved by the thoughtful gesture of Mrs. Luce and I admired her sensitivity. One of her dearest friends, Dorothy Hale, had allegedly committed suicide. Mrs. Luce was very kind to think of Dorothy Hale’s mother and orchestrate a memorial painting of her late daughter. I was personally saddened and shocked when I learned otherwise.
What did Dorothy's Mother Think of the Painting that Clare Commissioned?
Again, it was not that I questioned Mrs. Luce’s account. Instead, I was drawn to the painting and wanted to know more about Dorothy Hale and her friendship with Clare Luce and Frida Kahlo. I wanted to know about Dorothy’s mother and what she thought of the painting. I began to explore Dorothy’s life.
I was stunned to learn that Dorothy Hale’s mother died when Dorothy was sixteen years old.
I would later confirm that Dorothy’s father never remarried and that Dorothy’s family did not know Clare Boothe Luce.
Dispelling the Contradictions and Myths Recorded about the Life and Death of Dorothy Hale
There are an enormous number of books, articles, and web sites that discuss the painting, “El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale” (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale). Understandably, they reference Mrs. Luce’s account and have recorded that the painting was commissioned as a gift for the grieving mother of Dorothy Hale.
Now is the time to correct the inaccuracies surrounding Dorothy Hale and the painting. As I lecture and also work on a book about Dorothy Hale and the brilliant Frida Kahlo painting of her, it is a pleasure to begin sharing my research and dispelling the myths told about her. Early in my research it was important to me to find the family of Dorothy Hale and listen to their story. It has been a privileged to know members of the Donovan family.
As Dorothy Hale’s very own niece wrote many years ago: “My aunt deserves the respect of correct information.”
We encourage you to submit your comments or myths to info@dorothyhale.com or simply comment in the comment area below or post on the Official Dorothy Hale Facebook wall at facebook.com/pages/Dorothy-Hale/296072857126402. If you're question is selected, we'll notify you and post your question and answer on the Official Dorothy Hale Blog.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my research on Dorothy Hale and Frida Kahlo's painting of her, "Suicide of Dorothy Hale". I was especially inspired by the amazing audience. I enjoyed answering your questions and meeting so many of you after the presentation.
On Saturday, March 31, 2012, Myra Bairstow was a featured guest at LACMA’s Bing Theatre and presented her inaugural lecture titled, “Frida Kahlo’s Portrait of Dorothy Hale: Dreams, Dramas and Revelations.”
The lecture revealed never-before-seen documents and contradictions regarding the death of Dorothy Hale. Not only did Myra present to a wonderfully attentive and inquisitive audience, she was welcomed with open arms by the museum and everyone that is involved with LACMA.
